SALIVARY-GLAND-TUMOR REMOVAL

General Information

DEFINITION-Removal of a cancerous tumor of the salivary glands.

BODY PARTS INVOLVED-Salivary glands under the tongue (sublingual) or under the jawbone (submaxillary).

REASONS FOR SURGERY-Cancer or suspected cancer of the sublingual or submaxillary salivary glands.

SURGICAL RISK INCREASES WITH

• Adults over 60.
• Obesity.
• Smoking.
• Excess alcohol consumption.
• Stress.
• Poor nutrition.
• Recent or chronic illness.
• Alcoholism.
• Use of drugs such as: antihypertensives; muscle relaxants; tranquilizers; sleep inducers; insulin; sedatives; beta-adrenergic blockers; or cortisone.
• Use of mind-altering drugs, including: narcotics; psychedelics; hallucinogens; marijuana; sedatives; hypnotics; or cocaine.

What To Expect

WHO OPERATES-Ear, nose and throat specialist (otolaryngologist) or general surgeon.

WHERE PERFORMED-Hospital.

DIAGNOSTIC TESTS

• Before surgery: Blood and urine studies; x-rays of the head, neck, upper gastrointestinal tract and chest.
• After surgery: Blood studies.

ANESTHESIA-General anesthesia by injection and inhalation with an airway tube placed in the windpipe.

DESCRIPTION OF OPERATION

• Incisions are made in the mucous membrane or skin over the tumor.
• The tumor is isolated, cut free and removed.
• The tissue is examined to determine if the tumor is benign or cancerous.
• If the tumor is benign, the mucous membrane over the tumor is closed with fine silk sutures.
• If the tumor is cancerous, a radical neck dissection (see in Surgery section) is usually performed.

POSSIBLE COMPLICATIONS

• Excessive bleeding.
• Surgical-wound infection.
• Spread of cancer to nearby or distant tissues.
• Recurrence of cancer.
• Facial nerve injury.

AVERAGE HOSPITAL STAY-4 to 7 days.

PROBABLE OUTCOME-Expect complete healing without complications. Your doctor may prescribe further treatment with radiation and anticancer drugs depending on findings from surgery. Allow about 3 months for recovery from surgery.

Postoperative Care

† Move and elevate legs often while resting in bed to decrease the likelihood of deep--

vein blood clots.

• Rinse your mouth every 2 to 3 hours with a solution of 1 teaspoon salt in 8 oz. warm water. A clean mouth heals faster.

† You may use non--prescription drugs, such as acetaminophen, for minor pain.

† To help recovery and aid your well--

being, resume daily activities, including work, as soon as you are able.

• Avoid vigorous exercise for 6 weeks after surgery.

DIET-Clear liquid diet until the gastrointestinal tract functions again. Then eat a well--balanced diet to promote healing.

Call Your Doctor If

† Pain, swelling, redness, drainage or bleeding increases in the surgical area.

• You develop signs of infection: headache, muscle aches, dizziness or a general ill feeling and fever.
• You experience nausea, vomiting or constipation.
• New, unexplained symptoms develop. Drugs used in treatment may produce side effects.