Surgery for salivary gland cancer

Surgery is the most common treatment for salivary gland cancer. The type of operation you need depends on which salivary gland the cancer developed in and how far it has grown.

Salivary gland cancer can spread to lymph nodes in your neck. Your surgeon might remove some of the lymph nodes in your neck. This is called a neck dissection.

Before your surgery, you have tests to check your fitness and you meet members of your treatment team.

You have a general anaesthetic so you can't feel anything during the operation. This sends you into a deep sleep.

How you feel after your operation depends on the type of surgery you have.

Possible problems after surgery for salivary gland cancer include changes in eating, talking and appearance. Other risks include infection, blood clots and bleeding.