DEFINITION: Most salivary gland tumors begin in the largest of the salivary glands, the parotid glands which are located in front of the ears, and also extend deep to the jaw bone. Often these tumors are benign, but sometimes they are cancerous and require a combination of surgery and radiation therapy.

TREATMENTS Because each of the salivary gland cancers is unique, there is not one specific treatment. Treatment options vary depending upon many factors and include surgery to remove the gland and nearby tissue, radiation and chemotherapy. For benign tumors, surgery alone is the treatment of choice. Tumors that are malignant are usually treated by a combination of the modalities listed above with surgery most commonly being the initial form of treatment.

BENEFITS There are dramatic benefits to Minimally Invasive Surgery. The smaller incision minimizes tissue damage allowing for a shorter hospital stay and faster recovery time. Patients also enjoy reduced post-operative pain and less scarring than open surgery.

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