Publication:

Parotid tumour presents as acute onset neck pain: a case report

Salivary gland tumors occur in the major and minor salivary glands. Major salivary gland tumors are frequently reported, with those arising in the parotid gland being most common. Patients with parotid tumors may be entirely asymptomatic. Some of the commonly reported symptoms directly related to parotid tumors include painless swelling of the parotid gland, ipsilateral facial palsy, and facial pain. This case report describes a clinically diagnosed parotid tumor presenting as ipsilateral, acute onset neck pain without preceding cervical trauma in the face of normal physical examination, cardiac, and laboratory workup. The common causes of neck pain are highlighted and further discussion suggests a nociceptive mechanism responsible for this report of acute neck pain.