Superficial Parotidectomy Treatment in India

Olivia Verma, a 42-year-old high school...

Olivia Verma, a 42-year-old high school biology teacher and mother of two, first noticed a small, painless lump just in front of her right ear two years ago. Initially dismissing it, she grew concerned as it slowly but steadily enlarged. Over the past six months, she experienced occasional dull aches in the area and felt self-conscious about the visible asymmetry of her face. Her ENT, Dr. Sharma, ordered an ultrasound and a fine-needle aspiration biopsy, which revealed a pleomorphic adenoma, a benign but growing tumor of the parotid gland. He explained that while benign, the tumor needed removal via a superficial parotidectomy to prevent further growth, potential nerve damage, and a very small risk of malignant transformation. Olivia was terrified of facial nerve injury, fearing she might lose her expressive smile, so crucial for connecting with her students. The surgery went smoothly, with the surgical team using nerve monitoring to preserve the facial nerve. The immediate post-op period was challenging, with facial swelling, numbness, and a surgical drain, but she was profoundly relieved to see her smile intact in the mirror. After a few weeks, the swelling subsided, and most of the sensation returned, though a small area near her ear remained numb. A faint, well-hidden scar was her only lasting reminder. Emotionally, she moved from anxiety and vanity-driven worry to immense gratitude for modern surgical precision and a renewed appreciation for her health.