Parotidectomy / Parotid gland tumors

I've had six surgeries over the past 20 years for recurrent parotid tumors. A great site to get more information is patientsforum.com. Everyone there is going through the same thing. I've not had my surgery at Mayo in the past, but they are a possibility in the future. Let me know if you have specific questions. I wish you the best!

Hi, I was just wondering and please forgive my ignorance. How can you have that many surgerys on your parotid gland? Dont they normally remove the whole gland when you get a tumor? I have recently been diagnosed with parotid gland tumor and was researching the Mayo Clinic and considering having my surgery done here. Joined the community and seen your post.

Hi,
Due to the location of the tumor for the first surgery, the doctor did not remove all of the tumor to prevent paralysis. Unfortunately, the margins were not clear and cells spilled. This led to other tumors forming. I need to have my 7th surgery within the next few months. Check out parotid.net for great resources. I've used them for three surgeries. They are excellent and focused on preserving the nerve. I wish you the best. Let me know if you have any other questions!

I must be asleep this morning. Thanks for the information. Im worried also about developing other tumors since the fine needle biopsy cause the tumor to leak out into my neck and become inflamed and infected. I really hope this doesnt happen.