What to expect from tumour removal surgery for salivary gland cancer

The type of operation depends on which gland is affected, where the tumour sits and whether it involves nearby tissue or lymph nodes. Surgery near the parotid gland may require careful work around the facial nerve, which controls facial movement. Your team should explain possible changes in facial strength, sensation, saliva, taste, chewing and swallowing before the operation.

The specimen is sent for pathology review. The result helps show whether the tumour has been fully removed and whether its features suggest a need for further treatment. A drain may be used temporarily to remove fluid from the wound, and swelling around the face or neck can take time to settle.

Bring a full medicine and allergy list, follow fasting instructions and plan for help with meals, washing and transport. At home, keep the incision clean as instructed and attend drain, wound and pathology appointments. A speech or swallowing specialist, physiotherapist or facial rehabilitation team may help if movement or eating is affected.

Call the surgical team for fever, increasing redness, discharge, worsening swelling, uncontrolled pain or wound problems. Seek urgent help for trouble breathing or swallowing, rapidly expanding neck swelling, new severe facial weakness, or bleeding that continues despite firm pressure.

Ask which gland and tissues will be removed, whether a facial nerve or lymph-node procedure is expected, how saliva and facial movement may change, whether reconstruction is planned, how to care for a drain, and when pathology results will be discussed.