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What were your early symptoms before diagnosed with a Parotid Tumor?
Hello, I'm currently experiencing some symptoms and have fallen down the medical rabbit hole. All research and information and AI points toward a Parotid Glad Tumor. I have cut out the middle man and have made an appt. with an ENT/Otolaryngologist at the Mayo Clinic in Phoenix/Scottsdale. My symptoms started about 10 years ago but were quite minor. I found a small pea size lump beneath and slightly behind the corner/angle of my jaw on my left side. It was not visible but I could feel it if I really felt for it. I didn't think much of it at the time. Over the years I could feel it getting slightly larger but I'm not one to run to the doctor every time I see or feel something or get sick. About 5 years ago the lump became visible if I turned my head up and to the right and if I stretched my neck/jaw. It was still fairly small. About 2 years ago, I turned my neck a certain way and felt a sharp pain in the same area, like I pinched something. I started monitoring the lump. It has gotten quite a bit larger now, maybe quarter size from the outside view. It is quite painful if pressed on. It does not seem to move much at all. I will admit, finances have had some part in the decision to not go to a doctor sooner along with not wanting to hear bad news. However, I am now feeling a sense of fullness in the area between my ear and corner of my jaw and I now have tinnitus in my left ear. I also feel like something is in my throat or just doesn't feel right in my throat (pressure) on the same left side. It's not painful and does not affect my swallowing. My appointment is on Jan. 6th. Preparing for the worst and hoping for the best. Has anyone else had these same symptoms or can anyone share their experience and symptoms pre-diagnosis. Thank you in advance for any insight.
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Hi all. Recently diagnosed with parotid gland tumor. 2.5-3 cm. Right side. Pain and lump behind my earlobe. Had a CT with contrast and biopsy. Per call from Dr. today, no determination made from biopsy. He didn't get enough cells? Took 3 syringes. Anyways, he wants me to have another biopsy.
I've had this a long time. Didn't think much of it. It hurt occasionally,while holding the phone with my head and shoulder. Tinnitus started , right ear. I had never heard of parotid gland. I'm nervous and relieved I found this group.
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1 Reaction@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.
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1 Reaction@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.”
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3 Reactions@hrhwilliam
Thank you.
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2 Reactions@pjdonn I forgot to mention that you can also get more specific information about head and neck cancers from spohnc.org which is Support for Head and Neck Cancers. Full of information relative to what you are experiencing.
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2 ReactionsHello @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.
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2 Reactions@jules26 Wondering how you are doing and if you have a date for surgery yet. I'm looking at your comment here on 2/22. I just noticed that no one left a reply to your question about best foods to eat first 2 weeks post op. I am wondering if that's because our surgeries are individualized. I know for me I was able to eat a soft foods diet. I wasn't too limited except my appetite wasn't good. I had a parotidectomy only. Nothing painful about eating small bites of soft foods. I remember milkshakes,toast and oatmeal, My neighbors tried to help and instead of jello they attempted to make homemade gelatin from the guava bushes out front! It was horrible, so I thanked them politely and threw it out after they left! For me it wasn't a big deal, But I'm sure others could tell you what worked after more extensive surgeries. T
Thinking of you and hope you check back here when you are able.
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6 Reactions@jw9 Hi! Thanks for checking in. I had my MRI today and should get results in a few days. It went well and no reaction from the contrast. No warmth feeling, no metallic taste or itching. Was glad about that. Not sure when they will schedule the follow up to discuss the results but I will be able to see them once reviewed and uploaded to my patient portal. I won't really know what the results mean until I speak with the Dr. They will discuss the surgery plan as well and hopefully get a date set. They did say it would most likely be within the 4-6 weeks. So I'm thinking end of March to mid April.
They haven't said anything specifically about eating restrictions yet. Only that I could do protein shakes for the first few days and then start soft foods. That was a very nice gesture from your neighbors, so sorry it didn't work out. Milkshakes sounds very nice. 🙂 I'll update again once I get the results. Hugs!
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3 Reactions@laverne69 Sending hugs and prayers for a quick recovery. You're in good hands at Stanford. Glad you are having surgery soon. I had my MRI today and should know more in a few days. I expect to have surgery in 4-6 weeks.
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2 Reactions@sepdvm thank you. Hoping your situation works out for the best🙏
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