Discovering a lump or swelling near your ear or jawline can be concerning, but with expert evaluation and care, many parotid masses can be successfully treated. As the largest of the salivary glands, the parotid is susceptible to both benign and malignant tumors that require specialized management by an experienced head and neck surgeon.
Dr. Michael Cohen provides comprehensive care for patients with parotid masses and cancers throughout Long Island, delivering expert diagnosis and personalized treatment plans for optimal outcomes.
Total professionalism! Dr. Cohen was tremendous. A knowledgeable,caring man who will spend the time with his patient to assure that they are completely informed and at ease with the process to remedy the problem. AND he solved my problem in the manner that he said he would. Great doctor-great person. Recommend him to anyone.
Our Expertise and Philosophy
With over 25 years as a board-certified otolaryngologist and facial plastic surgeon, Dr. Cohen brings exceptional expertise to the evaluation and treatment of parotid masses. His approach combines precise diagnostic techniques with meticulous surgical skill to ensure optimal outcomes while preserving facial nerve function and facial aesthetics.
Dr. Cohen understands that a diagnosis of a parotid mass can cause significant anxiety. His philosophy emphasizes patient education, compassionate care, and a thorough approach to treatment planning. By explaining the nature of your condition in clear terms and detailing all treatment options, Dr. Cohen ensures you can make informed decisions about your care.
Our practice utilizes state-of-the-art diagnostic techniques and treatment approaches based on the latest advances in head and neck oncology, providing you with the highest level of care for parotid masses and cancers.
What Are Parotid Masses and Cancers?
The parotid glands are the largest of the salivary glands, located on each side of the face in front of and below the ears. These glands produce saliva, which helps with digestion, keeps the mouth moist, and protects teeth from decay. Masses or tumors can develop within the parotid gland tissue and vary significantly in their characteristics.
Types of Parotid Masses
Pleomorphic Adenoma
These benign tumors are the most common type of parotid mass, accounting for nearly 80% of all parotid tumors. They often grow slowly and rarely transform into cancer.
Warthin's Tumor
The second most common benign parotid tumor, occurring most frequently in older men and often associated with tobacco use. These tumors have an extremely low risk of malignant transformation and may be observed rather than surgically removed.
Parotid Malignancies
Cancerous tumors of the parotid gland comprise about 20% of all parotid masses. They include several histologic types such as mucoepidermoid carcinoma, adenoid cystic carcinoma, acinic cell carcinoma, and salivary duct carcinoma.
Lymphoma
Rarely, lymphoma may present as a parotid mass, requiring different treatment approaches compared to other parotid tumors or masses.
Parotid masses can occur at any age but are most common in adults over 40.
While the exact cause of most parotid tumors is unknown, risk factors may include radiation exposure, tobacco use, and certain environmental factors.
Common Concerns and Reasons Patients Seek Treatment
Patients with parotid masses often experience several concerns that prompt them to seek medical evaluation:
Noticeable Swelling or Lump
Most patients first notice a painless swelling in front of or below the ear, which may gradually increase in size over time.
Facial Asymmetry
As the mass grows, it can create visible asymmetry that affects facial appearance and causes cosmetic concerns.
Pain or Discomfort
While many parotid masses are painless initially, some may cause discomfort, particularly during eating when salivary production increases.
Facial Weakness or Numbness
In some cases, especially with malignant tumors, patients may experience facial weakness, numbness, or tingling if it affects the facial nerve of the parotid gland.
Difficulty Opening the Mouth
Larger tumors may interfere with normal jaw movement, creating challenges with speaking or eating.
Fear of Cancer
Many patients worry about whether their parotid mass is cancerous and seek expert evaluation to determine the nature of their condition.
Dr. Cohen’s Customized Approach to Parotid Masses
Dr. Cohen employs a comprehensive, methodical approach to evaluating and treating parotid masses:
Advanced Diagnostic Evaluation
- Detailed medical history and physical examination
- Fine needle aspiration (FNA) biopsy to obtain tissue samples for pathologic analysis
- High-resolution imaging studies including CT, MRI, or ultrasound to determine the exact location and extent of the mass
- Careful assessment of facial nerve function
Individualized Treatment Planning
- Consideration of tumor type, size, location, and patient factors
- Discussion of all appropriate treatment options
- Coordination with other specialists when necessary
- Development of a personalized treatment strategy
Surgical Excellence
- Meticulous surgical technique with emphasis on preserving facial nerve function
- Appropriate extent of surgery based on tumor characteristics
- Aesthetic incision placement to minimize visible scarring
- Advanced reconstruction techniques when necessary
Is Treatment Right for You?
Most parotid masses require treatment, though the approach varies based on several factors:
Nature of the Mass
Most parotid tumors, even benign ones, are typically recommended for surgical removal, as even benign tumors can continue to grow and eventually cause complications.
Tumor Size and Location
Larger tumors or those in complex locations (such as the deep lobe of the parotid) may require more extensive surgery, which influences treatment decisions.
Patient Health and Preferences
Your overall health, age, and personal preferences play important roles in determining the most appropriate treatment approach.
Potential for Malignancy
If there is uncertainty about whether a mass is benign or malignant, surgical removal is usually recommended for definitive diagnosis and treatment.
Symptoms and Functional Impact
Masses causing significant symptoms or functional impairment generally warrant intervention, even if they appear benign on initial evaluation.
During your consultation, Dr. Cohen will discuss these factors and help you understand whether treatment is appropriate for your specific situation.
What to Expect During Your Evaluation
Your initial assessment for a parotid mass typically includes:
Comprehensive Medical History
Dr. Cohen will discuss your symptoms, when you first noticed the mass, any changes over time, and review your medical history for relevant factors.
Physical Examination
A thorough examination of the mass and surrounding structures, including assessment of facial nerve function through facial movement tests.
Fine Needle Aspiration (FNA)
In many cases, Dr. Cohen will perform or arrange for this minimally invasive biopsy procedure, in which a thin needle is used to extract cells from the mass for microscopic analysis.
Imaging Studies
Depending on your specific case, Dr. Cohen may recommend imaging studies such as CT, MRI, or ultrasound to precisely locate the mass and determine its relationship to important structures like the facial nerve.
Discussion of Findings
After completing these evaluations, Dr. Cohen will discuss the preliminary findings with you and outline the next steps in your care.
What to Expect During Treatment
Treatment for parotid masses usually involves surgical removal, known as a parotidectomy:
Superficial Parotidectomy
For masses located in the outer portion of the gland, Dr. Cohen performs a superficial parotidectomy, removing the tumor along with surrounding parotid tissue while preserving the facial nerve.
Total Parotidectomy
For tumors in the deep lobe of the parotid or in cases of malignancy, a total parotidectomy may be necessary, removing the entire gland while still preserving the facial nerve when possible.
Facial Nerve Monitoring
During surgery, specialized monitoring equipment is used to identify and protect the facial nerve, minimizing the risk of injury.
Post-Surgical Care
Following surgery, you’ll receive detailed instructions for wound care, activity restrictions, and follow-up appointments. Most patients can return home the same day as surgery unless additional procedures are performed.
Additional Treatments
For malignant tumors, additional treatments such as radiation therapy may be recommended after surgery to reduce the risk of recurrence.
Frequently Asked Questions About Parotid Masses and Cancers
It’s impossible to determine whether a parotid mass is benign or malignant based on symptoms alone. Professional evaluation, including physical examination, imaging studies, and fine needle aspiration biopsy, is necessary for accurate diagnosis.
Dr. Cohen takes great care to preserve facial nerve function during parotid surgery. The surgical incision is typically placed in natural skin creases around the ear and along the upper neck to minimize visible scarring. While some temporary facial weakness may occur after surgery, permanent weakness is uncommon when the tumor does not directly involve the facial nerve.
Most patients can return to light activities within 1-2 weeks after surgery. Complete recovery, including resolution of swelling and return to all normal activities, typically takes 3-4 weeks. Dr. Cohen provides detailed recovery guidelines based on your specific procedure.
Recurrence rates vary based on tumor type and the extent of surgery. Benign tumors like pleomorphic adenomas have a recurrence rate of approximately 1-5% when completely removed. Malignant tumors have varying recurrence rates depending on the specific type, stage, and treatment approach. Dr. Cohen will discuss your individual risk factors and recommended follow-up schedule.
If a malignant tumor involves the facial nerve, partial or complete removal of the affected nerve segment may be necessary. In these cases, Dr. Cohen coordinates with facial plastic and reconstructive specialists to plan appropriate nerve grafting or other facial reanimation procedures to optimize functional outcomes.
Why Choose Dr. Michael Cohen for Parotid Mass Treatment
- Board-certified in both Otolaryngology-Head and Neck Surgery and Facial Plastic Surgery
- Over 25 years of experience in head and neck surgical oncology
- Recognized as a Top Doctor by NY Top Docs for 25 consecutive years
- Expertise in facial nerve preservation techniques
- Comprehensive care from diagnosis through recovery
- Aesthetic approach to incision placement and reconstruction
- Collaborative relationship with radiation oncologists and other specialists
- State-of-the-art surgical facilities
Expert Parotid Tumor Care Throughout Nassau and Suffolk County
If you’ve discovered a lump near your ear or jaw, don’t delay seeking evaluation. Early diagnosis and treatment offer the best outcomes for both benign and malignant parotid masses. With convenient locations in Syosset and Port Jefferson Station, Dr. Cohen provides accessible, expert care for patients with parotid tumors throughout Long Island.
Contact our office today to schedule your consultation with Dr. Cohen and take the first step toward expert management of your parotid mass.