MODEL RELEASED. Salivary gland cyst. Swelling on a man's face due to a large cyst in the right-hand parotid salivary gland. The two parotid salivary glands are in front of and below each ear. A cyst is an abnormal cavity filled with liquid or semi- solid material. Some salivary gland cysts are due to the retention of saliva due to the blockage of the excretory duct. Other cysts may turn into a cancer. Large cysts are drained or removed through surgery. Photographed in Africa.