Robotic Parotidectomy surgery in Bangalore

A robotic parotidectomy is a surgical procedure to remove the parotid gland if it is affected by a tumor. The parotid gland is the salivary gland located in front of the ear. The most common tumor is pleomorphic adenoma. It is not cancer, but, can turn into cancer.

It would be essential to do extensive surgery if the parotid malignancy has spread to the adjacent bone and muscles. Surgery for parotid gland tumors leaves a scar in front of the ear which can be unappealing in appearance.

However, today we can perform robotic parotidectomy.

Dr. Sandeep Nayak, a well-known parotidectomy doctor in Bangalore, says that Robotic parotidectomy uses a remote access approach to make the scar of surgery invisible. A robotic platform also gives magnification and unmatched clarity of vision along with precision.

Dr. Sandeep Nayak is among the preferred surgical oncologists for people seeking Robotic Parotidectomy surgery in Bangalore.

The 3 major salivary glands are:

The parotid glands – The parotid gland is a large salivary gland located in front of the ear.

The sublingual glands – The smallest glands located below the sides of your tongue.

The submandibular glands – These are smaller and are located under your jaw.

The parotid glands are ducts located next to your upper second molar and secrete saliva into your mouth to lubricate and digest the food you consume.

Each parotid gland is comprised of 2 parts:

• Superficial lobe
• Deep lobe

A tumor occurs when there is abnormal cell growth in any part of your body. Your lips, mouth, cheeks, and throat all contain many salivary glands and all of these glands are capable of developing tumors.

The most common tumor of the salivary gland is pleomorphic adenoma which can develop in several different types of glandular tissues, but the most frequently affected salivary glands are the parotid glands. These tumors are usually benign, but in rare cases, they can become cancerous.

Tumors of the salivary glands can take many distinct forms. Doctors categorize salivary gland tumors depending on the types of cells present in the tumors.

Benign or non-cancerous tumors of the salivary glands include:

• Basal cell adenoma – usually occurs in women over 50
• Canalicular adenoma – rare and unique salivary gland tumor
• Oncocytoma – usually affects the elderly in their 60s and above
• Pleomorphic adenoma – the most common tumor of the salivary gland
• Warthin tumor – slow-growing common tumor

Cancerous (malignant) tumors of the salivary glands include:

• Acinic cell carcinoma – usually occurs in people aged over 50
• Adenocarcinoma – occurs in glands that release bodily fluids such as saliva, mucus, etc
• Adenoid cystic carcinoma – a rare type of cancer that usually occurs in the head and neck
• Clear cell carcinoma- shows a clear cytoplasm when stained with hematoxylin (H) and eosin (E)
• Malignant mixed tumor – cancer that develops in a pre-existing benign tumor
• Mucoepidermoid carcinoma – contains 3 cellular elements
• Oncocytic carcinoma – extremely rare occurrence in salivary glands
• Polymorphous low-grade adenocarcinoma – rare and usually occurs in the roof of the mouth
• Salivary duct carcinoma – rare but highly aggressive malignant tumor
• Squamous cell carcinoma – usually occurs in older men

Your doctor can choose the most appropriate course of therapy for you by taking into account the sort of salivary gland tumor you have.

If the tumor is found to be cancerous, the stage is based on its size and location.

They are as follows:

Stage I: The tumors are tiny (not more than 2 cm in diameter) and do not spread to other parts of your body.

Stage II: The tumors are slightly larger (2 – 4 cm), but they have not spread from the original gland.

Stage III: The tumors have migrated from the original gland and may have reached the lymph nodes in your neck.

Stage IV: The tumors have reached your lymph nodes and are very likely in other parts of your body.

Additionally, doctors will assign salivary gland tumors a grade, ranging from 1 to 3, based on how quickly the cancer cells are growing.

Grade 1: This malignancy is low-grade and has a high prognosis for recovery. It is slow growing and does not appear all that different from your normal cells.

Grade 2: The pace of cancer growth is moderately fast.

Grade 3: The cancer is advancing rapidly.

Surgery is the most popular form of treatment for parotid gland cancer, especially for those with early-stage, slower-growing tumors.

Dr. Sandeep Nayak, an eminent robotic surgical oncologist in India, frequently performs Robotic Parotidectomy on patients who are seeking parotidectomy.

Robotic parotidectomy is a minimally-invasive procedure that uses small incisions and a camera to guide the surgeon. This technique allows for more precise removal of the gland and a quicker recovery.

Parotidectomy is a challenging operation due to the presence of numerous anatomic structures in close proximity to the gland. These structures include the facial nerve, external carotid artery, and internal jugular vein. The facial nerve is at particular risk during parotidectomy, as it courses through the gland and is vulnerable to injury. The use of robotics has been associated with a lower rate of facial nerve injury.

The surgeon may need to remove your complete salivary gland or just a portion of it. They might take out your lymph nodes and perhaps reconstruct your face and neck.

Except in cases where the cancer is more advanced, radiation and chemotherapy are not the first-line treatments for this form of cancer. Following surgery, you might have radiation to eradicate traces of any remaining cancer cells.

The majority of salivary gland tumors grow slowly and are not malignant. Surgery to remove the tumor will frequently result in a recovery.

The causes of salivary gland tumors include:

• Dehydration
• Infections
• Liver cirrhosis
• Major hip and abdominal repair surgeries
• Salivary duct stones
• Salivary gland infections
• Sarcoidosis
• Sjogren syndrome
• Other cancers

Dr. Sandeep Nayak says that although there is no way to prevent cancer of any kind, you can lessen your risk of getting this condition by eliminating some risk factors like smoking and drinking too much alcohol.

The common symptoms of parotid gland tumors include:

• Difficulty swallowing
• Swelling or lump in your mouth, on your jaw, or neck
• Reduced muscular strength on one side of your face
• Numbness in a part of your face
• Constant pain in the affected area
• Difficulty in yawning or opening your mouth wide

Salivary cancers can strike people of practically any age, but they become more prevalent as people age. Studies have shown that the typical age of people when they are diagnosed is 55.

The majority of benign (non-cancerous) salivary gland tumors in children do not extend to other tissues. There are certain cancerous salivary gland tumors. Children’s salivary gland tumors are more frequently malignant than those in adults. However, children with salivary gland cancer typically have a good prognosis.

Pleomorphic adenoma, which is the most common tumor of the salivary gland, can affect people of any age; but, it most frequently affects people between the ages of 30 and 60. The incidence of pleomorphic adenoma is somewhat higher in females, at a ratio of 2:1, than in males.

Robotic surgery has emerged as a promising technique for parotidectomy. Robotic surgery allows the surgeon to operate with greater precision and control, while also providing improved optics and enhanced ergonomics. In addition, the use of robotics can preserve vital anatomic landmarks and minimizes tissue trauma.

The procedure is typically performed to treat parotitis – the inflammation of the parotid gland which can be caused by a virus, bacteria, or a tumor.

Overall, robotic parotidectomy is a safe and effective option for the treatment of parotid tumors. It offers the potential for improved outcomes and reduced complications.

If you or a loved one suspects a salivary gland tumor, please do not delay in seeking medical treatment. If you are considering Parotidectomy surgery in Bangalore, do not hesitate to consult the highly experienced surgical oncologist, Dr. Sandeep Nayak, and his team, at MACS (Minimal Access Cancer Surgery)Clinic,

He is highly respected among peers and patients alike who often say that he provides the best cancer treatment in Bangalore.