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Parotid gland mass

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Guest
Guest

I have been dealing with swelling in my face and down into my neck along with severe ear stabbing pain for 3 months now. Been to numerous doctors and they all were saying TMJ except the pain clinic said I had something else going o n and to have Dr check out my log nodes. He recommended an ultrasound of the soft tissue and glands. Just got the result and have a small mass on my parotid gland but no one can tell me if this is causing my ear pain. Any advice?

0 likes, 10 replies

10 Replies

  • eva72081
    eva72081 Guest

    Posted

    I'm afraid I don't know if the mass is causing the ear pain but given that one of the facial nerves goes through the parotid gland and that you have a mass there it seems highly probably. The medics will decide the best way to treat your mass and they are likely to offer you a biopsy. I had a plum size mass in the inner lobe of my parotid gland which was removed over 2 years ago. The only symptom I had was swelling but I did experience some ear pain post surgery during the healing process. Sorry, I can't be more helpful but I hope you get it sorted.

     

    • eva72081
      eva72081 Guest

      Posted

      It’s not very painful but I think it felt like a mild toothache later. Mine was over 2 years ago and I haven’t got clear memories so it can’t have been too bad. I think I took a couple of paracetamol later. Let us know how you get on. I remember that they were able to let me know the same day that it didn’t look sinister. 
    • Guest
      Guest eva72081

      Posted

      Thank you for the information. It has been hurting pretty bad lately. I hope they can say that is why my ear hurts too. I will definitely post how I come out. Thanks again
  • tracy42407
    tracy42407 Guest

    Posted

    Have you been to an ENT Ototaronlogist ? They specialize in salivary gland problems . 
    • Guest
      Guest tracy42407

      Posted

      I have an appointment with an ENT on Thursday. He wants to do a consult and needle biopsy.
  • tracy42407
    tracy42407 Guest

    Posted

    I’m so glad you have the appt , best of luck !
  • Guest
    Guest

    Posted

    Well went to ENT and just got back from there. I feel like I got the biggest run around possible. He said my parotid mass is .5 cm and since they are normally benign he's not to concerned so will do another follow up ultrasound in 6 months to see if it's changed any. He also said it would not be causing my ear pain and that is TMI and I basically can't move my jaw at all. If I wasn't going on vacation next week is be seeking out expert specialists to get an opinion on all of this.

  • eva72081
    eva72081 Guest

    Posted

    I'm glad the mass is small. I was told mine was a pleomorphic adenoma which are very slow growing and although mine was about 4 times the size of yours it had only grown a little in the wait for the operation. Depending on where it is (mine was deep lobe) they are likely to remove it at some point as they can become troublesome if they grow too big and can impact on the facial nerve that controls swallowing and speech. My local hospital referred me to a specialist hospital  (Guy's) for management and removal.

    I'm lucky that I've never had TMJ but my son has and he says oxygen treatment has helped him most so I don't know if this is worth talking to your doctor about.  In the meantime I hope you have a relaxing vacation.

    • Guest
      Guest eva72081

      Posted

      Thanks. They haven't told me what my mass is just that it is small so not going to concern themselves with it right now. So it is okay that they are taking the wait and see approach. I'm gonna try not to worry as I have severe anxiety and if I do it consumes me. I am going to physical therapy for my TMJ when I get back from vacation.

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