Parathyroid Tumor
Salivary gland tumors most commonly originate from the parathyroid gland, located in front of the ear. About 80% of the tumors found in this gland are benign. However, they cause a mass in the gland due to uncontrolled cell proliferation. The resulting mass not only creates a cosmetic concern but also carries the risk of developing into cancer in the future. Moreover, even benign masses can cause facial nerve paralysis (also known as the nerve that controls facial muscles) due to the pressure they exert.
Therefore, the treatment for parathyroid gland tumors is definitively surgical.

Parathyroid Surgery
The surgery, known as a parathyroidectomy, is a comprehensive procedure that includes surrounding parathyroid tissue. It is absolutely not recommended to remove the mass alone, as this can lead to the spread and recurrence of the tumor in the future. If the tumor is benign, a portion of the parathyroid gland may be preserved. However, if cancer is present, the entire gland should be removed. In cancer cases, additional neck surgery (cleaning of the lymph nodes) or supplementary treatments (radiotherapy, chemotherapy) may be required.

Risks of Parathyroid Surgery
The most significant risk in parathyroid gland surgery is nerve damage. The facial nerve, which controls the facial muscles, extends through this salivary gland like tree branches. Depending on the proximity of the tumor to the facial nerve, temporary and/or permanent nerve paralysis (facial paralysis) can occur. The risk of facial paralysis is below 5%, especially when performed by experienced surgeons. There is a 90% chance that any paralysis will be temporary. If the paralysis is temporary, full recovery of functions can take 3-9 months. It is recommended that this surgery be performed by experienced head and neck surgeons. Using a nerve monitor during surgery can be beneficial in this procedure.

Scarring from Parathyroid Surgery
In previous years, this surgery caused large scars and skin depressions. However, over recent years, I have succeeded in significantly improving this surgery through intensive studies. My experience begins with creating personalized incision lines for each patient. These incisions are made in locations as inconspicuous as possible. I also perform a fat grafting technique during the same session using fat taken from the abdomen without leaving a scar, to fill the void. As a result, I have achieved highly successful surgical outcomes.

These are examples of patients with whom I performed surgery using appropriate incisions and filled the void with fat taken from the abdomen during the same session.