The swelling has not yet reached a disfiguring stage. There is no pain, but I get a rippling sensation when I lie down. Also, when I'm concentrating on a task, I develop excess saliva. Eighty percent of salivary gland tumors occur in the parotid glands. In adults, about 80 percent of these are benign.
Pleomorphic adenomas are the most prevalent of benign salivary gland tumors.
Most benign parotid salivary gland tumors are without symptoms, although their presence may have been noted, because of the swelling, for a long time, even years. Swelling from tumors in the salivary glands are firmer than swelling caused by infection. MRI and CT scans can quantify the extent of the tumor and a microscopic evaluation of biopsied salivary gland tissue can confirm the diagnosis. The health care professional who diagnosed your tumor probably told you that watchful waiting is the best approach now. Treatment in any form is usually not required unless and until symptoms show up as a result of tumor growth.