Treatment for most of these lumps is surgical and can vary significantly depending on the course of the lump. It is important to have a thorough work-up to help characterise the tumour so the most appropriate surgery can be done for the underlying problem. It is extremely delicate surgery due to the fact that the nerve that controls movement of the face passes through the parotid gland. A surgeon who performs many parotid operations each year will offer the best results from parotid surgery.

Best results for parotid surgery are achieved with:

• correct pre-operative work-up, staging and planning
• complete tumour removal
• facial nerve preservation techniques
• preservation of surrounding sensation
• limited scar
• ​primary facial contour reconstruction