A parotid tumor is an abnormal mass of tissue in the parotid gland, which is the largest of the major salivary glands. A parotid tumor can be benign or malignant. The majority of salivary gland tumors are located in the parotid gland. Please visit the Parotid Education section of the website to learn more about the diagnosis, management, and treatment of parotid tumors.

The Parotid Patient Project is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization dedicated to improving the total care of patients with parotid tumors. As advocates for the patient, we educate and empower them to make good decisions regarding their care, and we generate funds for research to identify the causes of parotid tumors and to advance the diagnosis, management, and outcomes for parotid gland diseases.

A parotid tumor is a rare condition, and a general practitioner may not recognize the tumor and properly diagnose it. It is important that patients see a specialist who can properly recognize and diagnose a parotid gland tumor. Please visit our section on How to Find a Specialist to learn more about this topic.

Yes, it is completely normal to feel this way. The vast majority of parotid patients feel scared, stressed, and overwhelmed before having surgery. The most difficult part of this journey for most patients is the period of worrying and waiting before surgery. You can join our patient forum and connect with other patients to hear their stories and to receive support and encouragement.

The primary treatment for both benign and malignant parotid tumors is surgical removal. It is important for patients to remember that even benign parotid tumors can cause problems and should be evaluated by a proper specialist. Click here to learn more about the treatment options for parotid tumors.

It is important that patients learn enough information about their tumor and treatment plan during their appointment, so they can make informed medical decisions. Please refer to our list of questions for your surgeon to learn about the most important topics that should be discussed during your appointment. You can print this list and take it with you to your appointment.

Ideally, patients should attempt to find a surgeon who performs at least 20 parotid surgeries per year to ensure that the surgeon is maintaining the skill level required to successfully perform this surgery. Please visit our section on Selecting a Surgeon to learn more about this topic.

It is important for patients to remember that even benign parotid tumors can cause problems. Parotid tumors should not be ignored or observed except in very unique circumstances. The only way to know the true pathology of a tumor is by having a final pathology done on the tumor after it is surgically removed. If a patient is told to just “watch and wait,” we recommend that the patient request a second opinion from another surgeon, if possible, to ensure that their parotid tumor is being properly treated. You can learn more about this topic in the Treatment of Parotid Tumors section of the website.

A lot of patients are fearful of having this surgery because they are concerned that their face will be permanently paralyzed. It is important for patients to remember that the chance of having permanent facial paralysis after this surgery is extremely low. It is not recommended that patients put off this surgery because they are afraid that their face will be permanently paralyzed. The vast majority of parotid surgeries go very well, and the facial nerve does not get damaged during the surgery. Please refer to our surgery section of the website to learn more about parotid surgery.

The recovery time for each patient will vary depending on the extent of the surgery performed, and that patient’s health condition. The recovery from parotid surgery takes time and requires patience. It is important that patients set realistic expectations for their recovery, so they do not become frustrated when the recovery process takes longer than they anticipated. Please visit the recovery section to learn more about what to expect during the recovery period.

The length of time that patients need to take off work will vary depending on the type of work that patient performs, the extent of their surgery, and the patient’s health condition. It is generally recommended that patients take three weeks off of work, if possible, but that time can be shortened or lengthened depending on each patient’s individual circumstances.

You can join our patient forum to connect with other patients. This is a very stressful time, and it is very helpful to talk about your concerns and fears with fellow patients. The patient forum is also a good place to find surgeon referrals from patients who have had successful surgeries.

Yes. You can find the link to submit a new question under the resources tab of the website. The new questions will be answered on a periodic basis by volunteer doctors, who are parotid tumor experts, from the Mayo Clinic in Rochester, Minnesota.

To make a donation, please visit the Donate Now link at the top of the website page or under the How To Help section of the website.

Yes. Parotid Patient Project is a 501(c)(3) tax-exempt organization, and your financial contributions may be deductible for federal income tax purposes. Please consult with your financial adviser to determine the extent of tax deductibility.

Yes, we gratefully accept donations via regular mail. Please mail your donation to:

Parotid Patient Project
2501 Chatham Road, Suite 4175
Springfield, IL. 62704