Surgery on the Parotid Gland, a salivary gland location near the ear and jaw?

Question

My doctor insisted that I have a portion of it removed due to a growing mass on it...a Tumor. It is not cancerous at this time but can "supposedly" become cancer. Now, if you know... there is important facial nerve that passes through this gland. Now, Do you believe is procedure is necessary?

P.S. I am currently pregnant.

Answer 1

We're not oncologists here. I recommend you get a 2nd opinion from another oncologist to see whether it's worth it. While a nerve does go through the gland, surgeons are skilled enough to avoid damaging it. My colleague had hers removed due to a malignant tumor in her parotid gland as well, you can't even tell she had it removed.