About Thyroid, Parotid, and Submandibular Surgery

These are surgeries on three important glands in your neck and face:

  • Thyroid gland: Located in your throat, it makes hormones that control your energy.
  • Parotid glands: You have two parotid glands, just below your ears. They make saliva for your mouth.
  • Submandibular glands: You also have two submandibular glands, under your jawline. They also make saliva.

Surgeons might recommend these surgeries for a few reasons:

  • To remove a lump or growth in the gland.
  • To treat problems with hormone production (thyroid).
  • To address blockage of the saliva flow (parotid, submandibular).

These are usually serious procedures done by an ear, nose, and throat (ENT) specialist or a head and neck surgeon.