We report a case of superficial parotidectomy performed under local anaesthesia. The patient presented with a parotid lump in which aspiration cytology showed cells consistent with mucoepidermoid carcinoma or adenocarcinoma ex pleomorphic adenoma. Despite counselling the patient refused general anaesthesia but accepted the need for removal of the pathology. We have been unable to find a single case report in the English literature since 1966 outlying this procedure being undertaken solely under local anaesthesia.