Tumours affecting the salivary glands can either be benign or malignant. Salivary glands are parotid, submandibular and sublingual glands. Additionally, there are minor salivary glands interspersed in the mouth, palate, pharyngeal wall and occasionally the vocie box. Majority of tumours in the parotid gland (80%) are benign, while majority of tumours in the minor salivary glands are malignant.
Surgery for Parotid gland:
Removal of the parotid gland encompasses removal of the glandular tissue with preservation of the facial nerve ( the nerve which controls the facial expressions). The surgery could either be a superficial, total or a radical parotidectomy depending on the extent of the tumour.Radical parotidectomy requires sacrifice of the facial nerve alongwith the parotid tissue.
Surgery for the Submandibular gland:
This encompasses removal of the entire gland while preserving the nerve supplying sensation and movements of the tongue.
Surgery for minor salivary gland tumours:
This surgery depends on the location of the tumour. It involves wide excision of the tumour.
Removal of the salivary gland tumours requires additional neck dissection as demanded by the histology and size of the tumour.
The team of doctors have a large experience in these surgeries ensuring removal of the tumour intoto without increasing morbidity.