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I Was Diagnosed With A Pleomorphic Adenoma In The Parotid
Question: I was diagnosed with a pleomorphic adenoma in the parotid tail. Its about the size of a large grape. My doctor said that i don't really need to have the tumor removed, and its not something to worry about at all. But everything i am seeing as i research it suggest's it could become malignant and it needs to be removed. I am going to seek a 2nd opinion, but would like to know if my doctors assessment was accurate and if i should be worried or not. Thanks!!
Brief Answer:
Pleomorphic adenoma mainly involves the parotid tail.
Detailed Answer:
Hii. Welcome to the Ask A Doctor services.
Pleomorphic adenoma mainly involves the parotid tail. It is a benign tumour but it can turn malignant on keeping it for long time. So it's always better to do Superficial parotidectomy to remove the superficial lobe of parotid gland. Consult a Head and neck surgeon and get it removed. Even after removal it has few chance of recurrence but if you keep it for long time it can turn malignant.
Please follow up if you have any queries.
Pleomorphic adenoma mainly involves the parotid tail.
Detailed Answer:
Hii. Welcome to the Ask A Doctor services.
Pleomorphic adenoma mainly involves the parotid tail. It is a benign tumour but it can turn malignant on keeping it for long time. So it's always better to do Superficial parotidectomy to remove the superficial lobe of parotid gland. Consult a Head and neck surgeon and get it removed. Even after removal it has few chance of recurrence but if you keep it for long time it can turn malignant.
Please follow up if you have any queries.
Above answer was peer-reviewed by :
Dr. Vaishalee Punj
My doctor said removing it was purely cosmetic, and removing it would likely leave my face paralyzed. Is there any truth to that? What are the chances of it turning malignant without removal?? Thank you very very much for your help.
Brief Answer:
The facial nerve passes through the parotid gland.
Detailed Answer:
Hi.
The facial nerve passes through the parotid gland. There are chances of mild weakness in almost all superficial parotidectomy. But this weakness will recover spontaneously but it's own within a short period of time. Few cases have a moderate weakness that needs facial physiotherapy. But the removal of the gland is extremely necessary.
So please contact the head and neck surgeon and remove the superficial lobe of the gland. The success rate is almost very high. So you don't need to worry about it. It's not recommended to keep the tumor.
Regards
The facial nerve passes through the parotid gland.
Detailed Answer:
Hi.
The facial nerve passes through the parotid gland. There are chances of mild weakness in almost all superficial parotidectomy. But this weakness will recover spontaneously but it's own within a short period of time. Few cases have a moderate weakness that needs facial physiotherapy. But the removal of the gland is extremely necessary.
So please contact the head and neck surgeon and remove the superficial lobe of the gland. The success rate is almost very high. So you don't need to worry about it. It's not recommended to keep the tumor.
Regards
Note: Consult an experienced Otolaryngologist / ENT Specialist online for further follow up on ear, nose, and throat issues - Book a Call now.
Above answer was peer-reviewed by :
Dr. Arnab Banerjee
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