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Parotid gland tumor – causes, side effects and treatments at NaturalPedia.com

Thursday, June 14, 2018 by

Parotid gland tumor is the most common type of salivary gland tumors. It accounts for 80 to 85 percent of all salivary gland tumors. Although most parotid gland tumors are noncancerous, the parotid glands are where nearly 25 percent of cancerous salivary gland tumors develop. Salivary gland tumors are an uncontrolled growth of cells that originates in one of the many saliva-producing glands in the mouth.

The parotid glands are located just in front of the ears on each side of the face. They are the largest among the three sets of major salivary glands – parotid glands, sublingual glands, and submandibular glands. Parotid glands are responsible for producing saliva to aid in chewing and digesting food.

The cause of salivary gland tumors like parotid gland tumors is unknown, although there are factors that may increase a person’s risk of developing the condition. The risk factors include being 50 or 60 years old, exposure to radiation, exposure to radioactive substances, and exposure to sawdust and chemicals used in the leather industry, pesticides, and some industrial solvents.

Known side effects of parotid gland tumor

One of the side effects of a parotid gland tumor is a mass or swelling in the jaw area that may or may not be painful. If the tumor is cancerous, it may also affect facial nerves, which results in pain, numbness, a burning or prickling sensation, or loss of movement in the face. Parotid tumor infiltration or surgery may cause damage to the facial nerve. Moreover, the risk of damage is greater with repeated operations. After a parotid surgery, Frey’s syndrome can occur. Frey’s syndrome is the redness and sweating on the cheek, which can appear when eating, seeing or thinking about certain kinds of food that produce strong salivation.

Body systems harmed by parotid gland tumor

The body systems harmed by parotid gland tumor are the endocrine system, digestive system, and the nervous system.

List of foods or nutrients that prevent parotid gland tumor

There is no information on which foods or nutrients prevent the growth of a parotid gland tumor.

Treatments, management plans for parotid gland tumor

Treatment options for parotid gland tumor vary. For noncancerous tumors, treatment involves surgery. The chances of recurrence are high when excision is incomplete. For cancerous tumors, surgery to remove the tumor is also required. However, it is sometimes followed by radiation therapy. There are herbal remedies that can help with swollen salivary glands, including parotid glands. These include poke or Phytolacca Americana and cleavers or Galium aparine.

Where to learn more

Summary

Parotid gland tumor is the most common type of salivary gland tumors.

Parotid gland tumor causes a mass or swelling in the jaw area that may or may not be painful.

A cancerous parotid gland tumor affects facial nerves, which causes pain, numbness, a burning or prickling sensation, or loss of movement in the face.

Parotid gland tumor harms the endocrine, digestive, and nervous systems.

Parotid gland tumor can be treated with surgery and radiotherapy.

Sources include:

MayoClinic.org

Medical-Dictionary.TheFreeDictionary.com

Cancer.net

Patient.info

MSDManuals.com

LiveStrong.com



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