Medically reviewed by Sumiran Racherla, MD, Internal Medicine. Last reviewed: October 23, 2026.
What kind of doctor provides Parotidectomy?
An ear, nose, and throat doctor, also called an otolaryngologist, should check a lump or enlargement in a salivary gland. A head and neck surgeon, a surgeon who treats growths in the head and neck, may perform the surgery. A direct primary care or concierge doctor can be a first stop for an evaluation and can refer you to a specialist when needed.
What it is
The parotid glands are the largest salivary glands, found in front of and just below each ear. Salivary glands make saliva, a fluid that helps moisten the mouth. In a superficial parotidectomy, the surgeon removes the superficial lobe, which is the outside part of the gland. In a total parotidectomy, the surgeon removes the entire gland. The facial nerve passes through this gland, so the surgery can be complex. The facial nerve controls movement of the facial muscles.
Why a doctor might recommend it
A doctor may recommend removing a mass that has grown in a salivary gland. Most masses in the parotid gland area are noncancerous. Surgery is often the main treatment for salivary gland cancers. Sometimes a biopsy cannot show whether a mass is cancer. The mass may then be removed and checked.
How to prepare
If a mass is found in a salivary gland, a CT or MRI scan can help. Sometimes a fine needle aspiration biopsy in the doctor's office also helps.
Talk with your doctor before surgery about the changes in appearance or other side effects you might expect.
What happens during it
The surgeon makes a cut in the skin in front of the ear, and the cut might extend down to the neck. If cancer has spread deeper, the surgeon removes the entire gland. If cancer has grown into the facial nerve, the nerve has to be removed as well. If cancer has grown into other tissues near the gland, those tissues might also need to be removed. Doctors may be able to remove a cancer inside the parotid gland while saving most of the facial nerve. Surgery may also include a neck dissection. This is a procedure to find and remove cancer that might have spread to nearby lymph nodes.
Recovery
Most people have some pain after salivary gland cancer surgery, and medicines can usually control it. Radiation treatment is sometimes recommended after surgery.
Call 911 or go to the emergency room if you have bleeding that will not stop, trouble breathing, chest pain or discomfort lasting two minutes or more, or fainting.
Risks and side effects
All surgery has some risks, including complications from anesthesia, bleeding, blood clots, and infections. Possible side effects of salivary gland surgery include the following.
- Facial nerve damage, which might cause drooping on one side of the face.
- Trouble closing the eye completely, which can lead to dry eye.
- Frey syndrome, in which nerves cut during surgery grow back in an abnormal way and join the sweat glands of the face.
- A change in how you look, which can range from a simple scar on the side of the face or neck to larger changes.
Frey syndrome can be treated with medicines or with more surgery. If pulling on the nerve or swelling caused the injury, the damage might heal over time. If the nerve does not start working after a while, rehab exercises and surgery such as nerve grafting might help.
Who performs it
An ear, nose, and throat doctor or a head and neck surgeon performs this surgery. For salivary gland cancer, people tend to do better at centers with a lot of experience in treating head and neck cancers.
Common questions
Is a parotidectomy only done for cancer?
No, a parotidectomy may be recommended to remove a mass in a salivary gland, and most masses in the parotid gland area are noncancerous.
Can a parotidectomy harm the facial nerve?
Yes, damage to part of the facial nerve is a possible side effect of salivary gland surgery. A superficial parotidectomy usually leaves the facial nerve unharmed. When the injury comes from pulling on the nerve or from swelling after surgery, nerve function usually returns over a few months.
Will I need more treatment after a parotidectomy?
You might, because radiation treatment is sometimes recommended after surgery.
How does a direct primary care or concierge doctor fit in?
A direct primary care doctor charges a flat monthly fee instead of billing insurance, while a concierge doctor usually charges more and often works alongside insurance.
Sources
- American Cancer Society - Surgery for Salivary Gland Cancer
- National Cancer Institute - Salivary Gland Cancer Treatment (PDQ) - Patient Version
- ENT Health (American Academy of Otolaryngology-Head and Neck Surgery) - Salivary Gland Disorders
Medical Disclaimer
This content is for general educational and informational purposes only and is not medical advice. It is not a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment, and reading it does not create a doctor-patient relationship. Always seek the advice of your physician or another qualified health provider with any questions about a medical condition, and never disregard or delay seeking professional advice because of something you read here. If you think you may have a medical emergency, call 911 (or your local emergency number) immediately.
