Can Parotid Tumor Go Away On Its Own & What Are Its Natural Remedies?

The definitive treatment of parotid tumors is complete excision ^(1).

Studies have shown that a diet rich in vitamin C and low in cholesterol prevent salivary gland tumors ^(2).

Parotid tumors do not go away on their own instead they continue to grow and cause discomfort. In the case of malignant tumors, they may metastasize or lead to facial nerve paralysis. Therefore, they almost always need to be excised surgically ^{(1), (3).}

Benign tumors, after being completely removed, have good cure rates. Generally, superficial parotidectomy suffices as most of the tumors are found only in the superficial lobe (approximately 90%). Enucleation of benign tumors, except for Warthin tumor and lymph nodes, should be avoided as it leads to an increased incidence of recurrence (in 80% of the cases) and nerve damage. In case there is a recurrence of benign tumors, post-operative radiotherapy has a local control rate of more than 95% ^(1).

In malignant parotid tumors, complete removal of the tumor mass along with radiation therapy, if indicated. However, the extent of tissue removal greatly depends on the tumor size, histology, location, invasion of local structures, and regional lymph node status. There is an increased chance of recurrence in conservative excision of the tumor mass. Since most tumors are present in the superficial lobe, superficial parotidectomy suffices, but if the tumor is in the deep lobe total parotidectomy needs to be done ^(3).

There are also no natural remedies for parotid tumors once they have occurred and the only cure is the removal of the tumor mass. However, studies have shown that they can be prevented by consuming a diet rich in vitamin C and low in cholesterol. There are also reduced chances of cancer with the consumption of vegetables, especially spinach and squash. Spinach is rich in natural antioxidants that suppress the formation of tumors. Vegetables are also rich in other nutrients, such as vitamins, dietary fibers, trace minerals, and other biologically active compounds, such as phytochemicals ^{(2), (4).}

Parotid glands are a pair of roughly pyramidal-shaped glands located in front of the ear originating from the epithelial lining of the oral cavity. It is a salivary duct known as the Stensen duct opens in the oral cavity in the cheeks opposite the upper second molar teeth. The most important anatomical landmark is the facial nerve, which lies near the gland and divides the gland into the superficial lobe and deep lobe. Therefore, removal of the tumor requires great expertise and precision of the surgeon to avoid injury to the facial nerve. In humans, among all the salivary glands parotid glands are the largest and are most commonly involved in disease processes. Parotid tumors form the greatest part approximating 75% of all parotid diseases, rest 25% is non-tumorous masses ^{(1), (2).}

Most of the parotid tumors, approximately 80% of tumors are benign, and rest 20% are malignant tumors with approximately 2500 new salivary gland tumors diagnosed every year. Women are at a greater incidence of developing benign tumors, except for the Warthin tumor that is mostly found in men. The benign tumors occur in adults at a median age of 50 years. Although the etiology of the tumors is not known, there is a possible link of pleomorphic adenoma with adenoma gene that is under investigation currently ^(1).

Pleomorphic adenoma (mixed tumor) is the most common benign parotid tumor (80% cases). Others include Warthin tumor (papillary cystadenoma lymphomatosum), sebaceous tumors, monomorphic tumors, oncocytoma, papillary ductal adenoma, and benign lymphoepithelial lesion ^(1).

The most common malignant parotid tumor is mucoepidermoid carcinoma with a prevalence of approximately 30% of all malignancies. Other malignant tumors include adenoid cystic carcinoma, carcinoma ex pleomorphic adenoma, acinic cell carcinoma, adenocarcinoma, sebaceous carcinoma, primary squamous cell carcinoma, salivary duct carcinoma, fibrohistiocytoma, lymphoma, and parotid metastasis from other sites (lung, renal, breast, skin, GI tract, and prostate gland) ^(2).

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Also Read:

• What are Parotid Tumors or Parotid Mass: Causes, Symptoms, Treatments, Prognosis, Complications
• What Is The Most Common Parotid Tumor & How Do You Know If You Have It?
• What Percentage Of Parotid Tumors Are Malignant & Its Etiology?
• Can A Parotid Tumor Cause Ear Pain & Are They Hereditary?
• Can Benign Parotid Tumors Become Malignant & How Big Are Tumors?
• What Is The Best Treatment For Parotid Tumor & Coping Methods For It?