Salivary gland tumours may be benign or malignant; absence of pain does not prove safety. Treatment depends on gland location, imaging and tissue findings.
Lumps in front of the ear, under the jaw or inside the mouth are assessed. Ultrasound, selected CT/MRI and fine-needle sampling may be needed. Not every tumour requires parotidectomy; observation, different operations or cancer treatment may be appropriate. Surgery near the facial nerve carries weakness risk; monitoring does not remove it. Report rapid growth, pain or facial weakness promptly.
Assessment considers the lump's location, duration and growth. Ultrasound, needle sampling or contrast CT/MRI are selected according to risk; not every lump needs the same operation. Suspected cancer requires multidisciplinary assessment.
In adults, promptly assess a neck lump unexplained by infection that persists for two weeks or has an uncertain duration. Breathing difficulty, rapid growth or swallowing difficulty needs more urgent assessment.
This information does not replace an individual consultation. Diagnosis and treatment depend on a medical assessment.
Consultation and treatment