Can parotid cysts be treated without surgery?

Generally, whether surgery is needed for a parotid cyst depends on a comprehensive assessment of the cyst's characteristics, size, symptoms, and changes over time. The specific analysis is as follows:

Surgery is required when the cyst is large enough to cause obvious symptoms or shows signs of potential malignancy. If the cyst's diameter exceeds 2–3 cm and compresses surrounding tissues, causing facial swelling, pain, or affecting functions such as swallowing or mouth opening, surgical removal should be performed promptly. Cysts that rapidly increase in size within a short period, or those with suspicious findings on fine-needle aspiration, also require surgical excision to remove the lesion and establish a definitive diagnosis, thus preventing disease progression.

No surgery is necessary if the cyst is small and shows no significant changes. Small cysts that grow slowly, do not cause discomfort such as pain or deformity, and are confirmed by examination to be stable with low risk of malignant transformation may be managed conservatively through observation. For patients with poor overall health who cannot tolerate surgery, regular follow-up examinations can be used to monitor the condition without immediate surgical intervention, provided the cyst remains stable.

Maintain good oral hygiene by rinsing your mouth with warm water after meals and brushing teeth thoroughly in the morning and evening. Avoid spicy and acidic foods to reduce stimulation of the salivary glands, and abstain from smoking, alcohol, and excessive chewing of hard foods. Monitor the cyst closely, and seek medical attention promptly if sudden enlargement, pain, or other abnormalities occur. Follow your doctor’s advice for regular ultrasound check-ups, maintain a regular sleep schedule, avoid excessive fatigue, and support your body in maintaining a stable condition.