MLB Hall of Fame baseball player Tony Gwynn recently underwent surgery to remove a malignant tumor from his parotid gland. Although doctors say there is a limited connection between Gwynn’s cancer and smokeless tobacco. Tony Gwynn blames his battle with cancer on years of using smokeless tobacco which he freqently placed in his right cheek.
The parotid gland is the largest of all salivary gland and is usually found on the posterior aspect of the mandible. The parotid gland is extremely important not just for what it does, which is provide saliva to the mouth, but because it houses some of the faces most important structures such as the facial nerve, carotid arteries and major veins.
Parotid Gland is located in front and below the ear.
85% of parotid gland tumors are benign, the most common of which is called a pleomorphic adenoma. This is most frequently found in women by 70%. Warthin’s tumor is the second most common benign tumor of the parotid gland. It is found 60% of the time in males. A common symptom of benign tumors of the parotid gland is facial pain and potential paralysis of the facial muscles if the tumor impinges upon the facial nerve.
20% of parotid gland tumors are malignant, the most common being mucoepidermoid carcinoma and adenoid cystic carcinoma. Common symptoms of malignant parotid gland tumors are similar to benign tumors, such as facial pain and paralysis. Malignant parotid tumors are extremely difficult to remove, much of it having to do with how the facial nerve intertwines within the parotid gland. Many times patients that undergo this surgery will lose feeling and function to parts of their face.
In 2009 NBA superstar Lebron James underwent a parotidectomyto remove a benign tumor from his parotid gland.
In 2009 Lebron James underwent surgery to remove a Parotid Gland tumor.
The surgery was successful, but doctors reported that had he let the tumor continue to grow it could have become malignant. This is why early detection and prevention are very important.
Early detection is the best mechanisms for prevention. Many dentists are now trained in head and neck examinations, so frequent dental check ups could be the first way to detect a parotid tumor. A head and neck exam
consist mostly of feeling for or palpating specific areas such as the throat, neck, lymph nodes, and thyroid gland. Other special tests might focus on the facial tenderness, sinuses, and TMJ. If your dentist is not providing you with an adequate head and neck exam, you should seek out one that will.
Recent reports are that Tony Gwynn will make a full recovery and that the surgery was successful in removing most of the tumor. Also reports are that he did not lose any function or sensation in the face. Once he recovers he will be thoroughly treated with chemotherapy and radiation to eliminate any remaining malignant cells.
TenderCare Dental in Portland, OR takes pride in providing comprehensive care to our patients, which includes a thorough head and neck exam. Parotid tumors, although rare, can be detected by a dentist who is trained. For more information or questions contact your TenderCare dentist.
