Salivary Gland Mass

Diagnosis/Definition

• Any mass of the parotid, submandibular, or intraoral minor salivary glands.

• For Adults:
  ◦20% of all parotid masses are malignant
  ◦50 % of all submandibular masses are malignant
  ◦75% of minor salivary gland masses are malignant

• For pediatric patients the likelihood that firm salivary gland masses are malignant is higher than the above percentages while softer masses typically represent vascular tumors such as hemangiomas or lymphangiomas.

Initial Diagnosis and Management

• Complete head & neck exam
• Evaluate facial nerve function.
• OPEN BIOPSY OF SALIVARY MASS IS CONTRAINDICATED IN ALL CASES.

Ongoing Management and Objectives

• Management objectives should focus on evaluation and preparation of the patient for surgery if necessary.

Indications for Specialty Care Referral

• Referral to Otolaryngology/Head & Neck Surgery (ENT) is indicated for all suspected cases of salivary gland neck masses.
• Referral should be considered before radiographic imaging.
  
  ** Referral guidelines published above are modifications of the referral guidelines published by Madigan Army Medical Center.