Parotid Tumour

Question 1

what is the most common type of tumour of the parotid gland?

Answer 1

pleomorphic adenomas
they are benign
(“mixed tumours” composed of a mixture of stromal and epithelial elements)

Question 2

Warthin’s tumour makes up 5-10% of all salivary gland tumours - what is it?

Answer 2

Warthin’s tumour is a benign cystic epithelial tumour.

Question 3

Where does the parotid duct (stensen’s duct) open?

Answer 3

parotid duct opens opposite the 2nd upper molar

Question 4

What is the neurovasculature of the parotid gland?

Answer 4

• glossopharyngeal nerve

- blood supply from the transverse facial artery

Question 5

What does the parotid gland secrete?

Answer 5

• watery, serous secretions

Question 6

what structures lie close to the parotid?

Answer 6

• facial nerve runs through it
• close to terminal branches of carotid artery
• close to auricular nerve

Question 7

What % of all salivary gland tumours occur in the parotid gland?

Answer 7

80%

Question 8

What % of salivary gland tumours are benign?

Answer 8

20%

Question 9

Where in the parotid to pleomorphic adenomas occur?

Who is affected?

Answer 9

tail
more common in females
40’s - 50’s age group

Question 10

How do pleomorphic adenomas present?

Answer 10

Presents as a slow growing painless lump - they are benign but 5% progress to become malignant

Question 11

what % of parotid tumours are malignant?

Answer 11

20% of parotid tumours are malignant

Question 12

what type of tumour can cause bell’s palsy?

Answer 12

malignant

Question 13

What is the most common malignant cancer of the salivary glands

Answer 13

mucoepidemoid carcinoma

Question 14

How do warthin’s tumours present?

Answer 14

• painless slow growing lump

- bilateral in 10% of cases

Question 15

How are parotid tumours invx?

Answer 15

fine needle aspiration

- USS or MRI