Hi, I was never diagnosed with this tumour, I went to the doctors one day with a lump between my ear and my jaw line (that had been there for about 5 years), but that was beginning to become uncomfortable. The doctor said - it's a cyst, normally I would cut it out but it's a little close to your neck - I'll book you in at the hospital for removal. 6 months later my apointment came through and off I went for this really quick op. When I woke up - they said (and you know how groggy you are when you wake u right?), it's taken longer than we anticipated we've had to remove a parotid tumour. Never heard of one of these and to this day - never had it explained to me. 2 days later me and my 26 staples and paralysed face went home in the knowledge that I would get an appointment to see the consulatant for a check up at some point. This came through - after 2 check ups he said it wasn't worth me going again and I was more than happly not to go to hospital. However, recently I have over the last 18 months been to the dentist and it looks like I now will lose most of my teeth - this was never explained to me and I know it's not exactly life threatening but I'm not really looking forward to it at 37 years of age. Has anyone else had a similar experience? Is there a few more suprises in store? Were you offered treatment that maybe I should have enquired about? You trust these people don't you? But now I am unsure

Hi,
I always thought that teeth problems arose as a result of radiotherapy around the jawline/neck area. I can't understand how it came about because of the surgery.
One thing that's true tho' is that our overstretched consultants don't always have the time to discuss the after effects of treatment and this is left to others. (So it doesn't always get explained!)

cheers Tony K

Hi Tony

Thans for replying. The dentist said that you need the saliva glands to make the necessary saliva to keep your teeth and gums healthy. With the removal of the gland you don't produce enough saliva to do that - I don't know how reliable this is - I have looked but can't find anything

Hello ScoobySoo

If your teeth are presently in good health, you can try keeping them so. The teeth are at risk from the dry mouth caused by lack of saliva through loss of the salivary gland. You can find out more about this complication and how to care for your mouth and teeth at the MCF Website section on Complications.

The advice given in this previous post on oral hygiene will help you look after your teeth.

Best wishes
Vinod