Parotid Tumour treatment at Clínic

Diagnosis before determining treatment 

The care of patients with parotid tumour is determined by the time of evolution and the properties of the tumour. Patients with rapidly growing tumours are scheduled for a clinical evaluation in around 7 days; while patients with less aggressive tumour properties are scheduled for a period of 2 months. 

Once the specialist surgeon has clinically evaluated the patient, based on palpation, location and impairment of the function of the facial nerve, the relevant imaging tests are ordered, generally an MRI or a CT scan with contrast. The radiology specialist then performs an ultrasound-guided puncture to analyse the tumour cells (cytology). This cytology helps the pathological anatomy specialist classify the tumour on a scale that guides treatment. 

During the visit 

During the visit, the test results and the procedure to be followed are explained to the patient. If a benign tumour is diagnosed, surgery is usually indicated and this is explained and planned during this visit. If it is a malignant tumour, the need to perform additional testing is assessed and the case presented to the functional unit committee for head and neck tumours, to indicate the most appropriate treatment in each case. 

Before the surgery 

Before surgery, a preoperative evaluation is generally done, which consists of performing some additional tests (a blood analysis, chest X-ray and electrocardiogram). A visit is also scheduled for the patient with the anaesthesiology specialist to explain the anaesthesia to be used before surgery, as well as to check the patient's general condition before the procedure. 

Surgery 

Parotid gland surgery lasts 1-3 hours, being longer for tumours that require larger resections or reconstructions. During this operation, nerve electrostimulation and neuromonitoring equipment is used to control the path of the facial nerve and minimise the risk of injury.   

After surgery 

The hospital stay usually lasts 24-48 hours, which is the time needed to remove the drainage left during surgery. Subsequently, a check-up is performed after 10-12 days to remove the stitches and check the wounds. 

After surgery, follow-up visits are scheduled at 1, 3, 6 and 12 months. Before the final discharge, the patient undergoes an imaging test (ultrasound, magnetic resonance imaging or scan). If it is a malignant tumour, the follow-up is extended to 5-10 years, depending on the type of tumour. This monitoring is carried out with clinical tests and imaging tests, such as ultrasound, MRI or scans.   

During follow-up, depending on how the facial nerve has been affected by the surgery, evaluation by a facial rehabilitation specialist may be necessary, as well as speech therapy or physiotherapy sessions. 

Differential approach to the disease at the Clinic 

The Hospital Clínic Barcelona has specialist professionals and the latest technologies  to approach this disease, whether to diagnose, treat and provide reconstruction, if necessary. Centralising the treatment of this type of disease in the same location makes it easier to apply all the necessary steps to guarantee successful treatment.   

In addition, the continuous training of specialists in this disease means they are always at the cutting edge and can offer minimally invasive and comprehensive treatments for facial paralysis, with the aim of reducing the functional and aesthetic consequences for patients.