Parotid surgery is an operation to remove a lump, tumour or abnormal tissue from the parotid gland, which is one of the major salivary glands located just in front of the ear. It is most often performed to treat or investigate parotid tumours, the majority of which are benign.
The purpose of parotid surgery is to remove the affected tissue safely while protecting important nearby structures, particularly the facial nerve. This nerve controls movement of the face and runs directly through the parotid gland, which is why specialist expertise is essential.
What Is the Parotid Gland and Why Does It Matter?
The parotid gland is the largest salivary gland and plays an important role in producing saliva to aid chewing and digestion. Everyone has two parotid glands, one on each side of the face, positioned in front of and just below the ear.
Because of its location, the parotid gland sits close to the facial nerve and other important structures in the head and neck. This makes surgery in this area more complex than many people expect. Even small tumours can be close to the nerve, which is why careful planning and experience are required when surgery is recommended.
The video above provides a general visual overview of parotid gland anatomy and how parotid surgery may be performed. Individual treatment approaches vary depending on the condition and anatomy involved.
Why Might Someone Need Parotid Surgery?
Parotid surgery is usually recommended when a lump or swelling develops in the parotid gland and needs to be removed or diagnosed. These lumps are often painless and slow-growing, which means they may be present for some time before being noticed.
Most parotid tumours are benign, meaning they are not cancerous. However, surgery is often advised because benign tumours can continue to grow, cause discomfort, affect facial appearance or, in some cases, carry a small risk of becoming malignant over time. Surgery may also be required if cancer is suspected, confirmed, or if repeated infections or other conditions affect the gland.
Early assessment helps determine whether surgery is needed and what type of operation is most appropriate.
How Is Parotid Surgery Performed and What Are the Risks?
Parotid surgery is performed through a carefully planned incision in front of the ear and extending into the neck. The incision is designed to heal with minimal visible scarring. During the operation, the surgeon carefully identifies and protects the facial nerve while removing part or all of the parotid gland, depending on the size and position of the tumour.
When only the outer portion of the gland is removed, this is known as a superficial parotidectomy. In some cases, a total parotidectomy is required. The approach is tailored to each patient based on scans, biopsy results and clinical findings.
Parotid surgery is considered specialist surgery. Temporary facial weakness, numbness around the ear and swelling are possible after the operation, but these often improve over time. Permanent facial weakness is uncommon but can occur, particularly if the tumour involves the nerve. Other possible risks include saliva collection under the skin and Frey’s syndrome, which causes sweating in the cheek when eating.
Your surgical team will explain these risks clearly before surgery and take steps to minimise them.
What Is Recovery Like and Who Should Perform Parotid Surgery?
Recovery after parotid surgery varies depending on the extent of the operation. Most patients stay in hospital for one to two days and return home once swelling is controlled and any drains are removed. Swelling and stiffness around the jaw and neck are common at first and usually settle over several weeks.
Many people return to normal daily activities within a few weeks, although full recovery can take longer. Follow-up appointments are important to monitor healing and review the final diagnosis from tissue analysis.
Parotid surgery should always be performed by surgeons with specialist training in head and neck surgery. This ensures experience in managing the facial nerve and complex anatomy of the salivary glands. At Axel Head & Neck, parotid surgery is carried out by dedicated head and neck specialists who focus on accurate diagnosis, careful technique and patient-centred care.
Conclusion
Parotid surgery is a specialised operation used to treat lumps and tumours of the parotid gland, most of which are benign. While outcomes are often very good, the surgery requires experience and careful handling of nearby nerves.
Understanding why surgery is recommended, how it is performed and what recovery involves can help patients feel more confident and informed. If you have noticed a persistent lump near your ear or have been advised to consider parotid surgery, specialist assessment is the most important next step.
