parotid gland

[lexie04]

I am 49  and had a biopsy on my left parotid gland done on april 30 as I had swelling for 6 weeks on the left side of my cheek and antibiotics did not help, it came back saying it was an "intraparenchymal lymph node with lymphoid hyperplasia".  It  has now been about 11 weeks and the left side still feels swollen from my cheek up to my ear expecially when I eat or drink or I am in the a/c.  My left ear is numb,  the left side of my lip feels like it is drooping (doesn't look it though) and I have a lump behind my ear as well, the Oral Surgeon said the lump is a "lymphocyte"  but didn't seem too concerned about it.  I have also had "tinitus" in my left ear for over ten years.  At times I have difficulty swallowing, I had an endoscopy done last year and it showed "mucosa with a benign lymphoid aggregate".  I also had a barium swallow which showed penetration of the airway and then haed a modified barium swallow which came back ok.  I would like to know if this will all heal eventually or if  I should have concerns? I also forgot to mention that I have had a rash on my neck since May, at times it is red and other times it isn't red but you can still see and it looks almost like it is "hibernating".

[lexie04]

Thank you Dr.  What type of surgical treatment might be needed?

[Dr Rajgopal]

Hi,
The Parotid gland has a superficial and deep lobe, between which runs the extratemporal portion of the facial nerve. The deep lobe is in contact with the parapharyngeal space.The symptoms are due to the Facial nerve compression and interference with the parapharyngeal space leading to difficulty in swallowing . Please consult an oral surgeon and general surgeon to discuss the surgical treatment because Facial palsy may occur with long term compression of the nerve . Hope this helps you . Take care and regards !