Salivary gland tumor secondary prevention

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Editor-In-Chief: C. Michael Gibson, M.S., M.D. [1]Associate Editor(s)-in-Chief: Simrat Sarai, M.D. [2]

Overview

Secondary prevention strategies following salivary gland cancer include follow-up visits every 6-8 weeks for first year, every 2-3 months in the second year, every 3-4 months in the third year, and then every 6-12 months for life.

Secondary Prevention

After treatment has ended, new symptoms and symptoms that don't go away should be reported to the doctor without waiting for the next scheduled appointment. These may include:

• Any new lump or swelling
• Pain or an increase in pain
• Difficulty swallowing

The chance of salivary gland cancer recurring is greatest within the first 2–3 years, so close follow-up is needed during this time. Because salivary gland cancer can return many years later, lifelong follow-up is necessary.

Schedule for follow-up salivary gland cancer includes the following:

• Every 6–8 weeks for the first year
• Every 2–3 months in the second year
• Every 3–4 months in the third year
• Then every 6–12 months for life

During a follow-up visit, the doctor usually asks questions about the side effects of treatment and how the person is coping. The doctor may do a complete physical examination, including:

• Examining the site of surgery
• Feeling the neck lymph nodes for any swelling
• Asking about numbness or weakness of the facial muscles
• Tests may be ordered as part of follow-up or if the doctor suspects the cancer has come back (has recurred).

A chest x-ray may be done every 6 months for the first 2–3 years after treatment to see if the cancer has spread to the lungs. If a recurrence is found during follow-up, the oncology team will assess the person with cancer to determine the best treatment options.