Parotid glands are
situated under the skin on each side of the face just in front of the
ear with a portion of it going beneath the earlobe. The parotid gland is the
largest of the salivary glands. Parotid glands produce saliva which enters the
mouth through a duct. Saliva is vital to lubricate the mouth, help with
swallowing, protects teeth against bacteria, and assist in the digestion of food. The gland can be overblown by mumps and infection.
Different kinds of tumors (benign or malignant) in the Parotid gland are usually seen in all age groups.
Diagnosis of Problem in Parotid Gland
A detailed history of the issues is taken in the initial consultation. The
doctor also thoroughly analyzes the patient’s condition which is usually
followed by an ultrasound scan if there is a lump.Other tests like a plain X-ray, CT, and
MRI scan or a sialogram may be needed. A lip
biopsy of small salivary glands may be required to identify certain
autoimmune diseases.
Parotidectomy Surgery
The operation to remove the parotid lump is
called a Parotidectomy. It is performed for tumors of the parotid
gland and sometimes for recurrent infections of
the gland. For right and low-grade malignant tumors, surgery is curable without any need for additional therapy. For other
malignant tumors, surgery is usually followed by radiation therapy. Sometimes,
benign or low-grade malignant tumors that have to reoccur are treated with completion of Parotidectomy Surgery
and radiation therapy. It involves
cutting either part or all of the parotid gland. The Parotidectomy surgery is usually done under general anesthesia, which means that the patient will be asleep
throughout the process. A skin incision is built,
which runs from the lead of the ear bending towards the behind of the ear just
to the level of the hairline. Most surgeons vary in making the skin cut
and tend to extend the cut into the neck. It is
almost the same incision as that used in the face-lift
surgery and has an outstanding cosmetic result.
At the end of the operation, a little drain is placed through the skin to
facilitate drainage of tissue and blood fluids.
The skin separated is closed with stitches, and the drain is disconnected in 24
to 48 hours when we will be able to go
home. Stitches will usually be removed after 6 days.
Cost of Parotidectomy Surgery in India
A combination of many factors has led to the
recent rise in popularity of medical tourism in India which includes increasing costs of healthcare in industrialized nations, ease and affordability of
global travel, favorable currency exchange rates in the international economy,
rapidly improving technology and proven, excellent globally sanctioned
standards of care. Parotidectomy surgery and treatment is easily available in
most of the top hospitals in India. People who travel to India for their
surgical and medical needs can get near-by-quick-access to an endless list of
quality, world-class affordable surgical and medical procedures at a highly
attractive and low cost.