A parotidectomy is the surgical excision of the parotid gland, the largest of the major salivary glands. The procedure is most often performed because of a neoplasm, a growth of abnormally and rapidly dividing cells, and while most parotid gland tumors are benign, about 20 percent are found to be malignant. Parotidectomy is performed mostly by oral and maxillofacial surgeons and by ear, nose and throat surgeons.
Facts
FAQs
What are the types of parotidectomy?
Cleveland Clinic lists superficial and total parotidectomy, depending on which section of the gland holds the tumor relative to the facial nerve.
Cleveland Clinic describes two types of parotidectomy. It explains that the parotid gland has two sections separated by the facial nerve, which manages facial expressions and movement. A superficial parotidectomy is surgery to remove a tumor in the superficial section on top of the facial nerve. A total parotidectomy is surgery to remove a tumor in the deep section below the facial nerve or a tumor in both sections.
Sources
1. Wikipedia
Wikipedia contributors, Wikimedia Foundation
Parotidectomy (Wikipedia)
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Parotidectomy, lead sectionQuote, https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Parotidectomy, lead section
A parotidectomy is the surgical excision (removal) of the parotid gland, the major and largest of the salivary glands.
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