@pjdonn Welcome and hang in there. I too was diagnosed with a 3cm mass and have my MRI on Sunday. They will decide then, if and when I will have an FNA biopsy. The longer you have had the lump the more likely it is benign I'm told. Either way, they almost always remove it. I am nervous as well. The unknown can be overwhelming. Keep us posted on how you're doing and I will update after my MRI and share any results and next steps. Praying for strength and quick resolve for you.

@pjdonn Hello and welcome to our Head and Neck group. That’s a big tumor. There are a lot of people here who have dealt with a parotid tumor and can likely help you out better than I. If you have a specific issue or problem please just start your own discussion which will result in better visibility to your concern.
In the meantime, make sure your doctors have experience in this particular tumor by flat out asking them, “What is your experience with Parotid tumors?” If the answer is zero, ask for a referral to someone or some place with experience. It is your life on the line.
As for nervous, that means you are smart. Get good help and you should do well. My word for you is “Courage.”

Hello @pjdonn, not knowing is the worst but worry does not help anyone. Taking control and planning the next step is a positive approach. My tumor in the external ear canal invading into the temporal bone behind my ear was not easily diagnosed because it did not show up on scans. It was creating severe pain 24/7 which was hard to control. Yours is large enough to feel and cause painful pressure, but fine needle aspirates only remove cells that are along the needle tracks which may not pick up all parts of the mass. Firm tumors tend to not shed cells easily into the needle. A surgical biopsy may be a more accurate diagnostic method, if that is what they are recommending. Take the next step and stick with the diagnostics until you get an answer. Don't hesitate to ask for referral to a larger medical facility.