Parotid Mass

Abstract

The history of a patient with a parotid mass should include information regarding duration, rate of growth, patient age, presence of pain, perceived facial nerve function by patient and family, prior history of sialoadenitis, HIV status, connective tissue disease, dehydration, TB exposure, recent dental work or history of poor dentition, mumps exposure or inoculation, and history of allergic reaction. Physical examination of the mass itself must include size, location, (tail vs. body), overlying skin abnormalities, fistulae to the skin, and purulent discharge from Stenson’s duct. The head and neck area should be inspected for tonsillar displacement (deep lobe tumor), facial nerve dysfunction, enlarged lymph nodes. Systemic diseases such as Sjogren’s syndrome, rheumatoid arthritis, sarcoidosis, and tuberculosis may be detected. Mumps orchitis may be accompanied by parotid enlargement.