# Salivary gland tumours: diagnosis, treatment and the risks of surgery

> Ultrasound first, MRI and a needle biopsy if needed; surgery that is usually enough on its own, and protecting the facial nerve: from diagnosis to treatment.

Source: https://www.profaysenurmerichafiz.com/blog/treatment-of-salivary-gland-tumours/  
Updated: 2026-09-30

Blog · [Salivary glands](https://www.profaysenurmerichafiz.com/blog/#salivary)

By: [Prof. Dr. Ayşenur Meriç Hafız](https://www.profaysenurmerichafiz.com/about/) · Translated from the original Turkish article.

Diagram The main steps of the diagnostic and treatment process.

## Diagnosis

When a lump or swelling appears in your mouth, cheek, jaw or neck, an ultrasound is needed first and, if necessary, magnetic resonance imaging (MRI). These imaging techniques usually tell us whether the mass in the salivary gland is benign or malignant. In cases where a decision cannot be reached despite this imaging, an ultrasound-guided needle biopsy is required.

## Treatment

Most salivary gland tumours are not cancerous and grow slowly. Removing the tumour surgically usually cures the condition. In rare cases, the tumour is cancerous and further treatment is needed. During surgery, removing part of the affected salivary gland together with the tumour is usually sufficient. If the tumour is benign, no further treatment is needed. If the tumour is cancerous, a neck dissection (an operation in which the lymph nodes are removed) and, if necessary, radiation therapy may be required.

The extent of the operation varies: if the tumour is small and in an easily accessible spot, only the tumour and a small margin of the healthy tissue around it may be taken out, while for cancerous tumours removing the whole gland is usually necessary.

## Risks of the operation

The greatest risk in salivary gland tumour surgery is temporary or permanent facial paralysis. However, the nerve stimulators that we have used in all operations in recent years have reduced this risk to a minimum. Salivary fistulas, which are commonly seen after salivary gland surgery, have also been reduced to a minimum with the new cauterisation devices now in use and pressure dressings.

[Read more in Treatment areasSalivary Gland Surgery](https://www.profaysenurmerichafiz.com/treatments/salivary-glands/salivary-gland-surgery/)

The outcomes of surgical and medical procedures vary from person to person; consult your doctor for an assessment specific to you.

## More on this topic

- [What is a salivary gland tumour? Causes and symptoms](https://www.profaysenurmerichafiz.com/blog/salivary-gland-tumour-causes-and-symptoms/)
- [Will I get facial paralysis after salivary gland surgery?](https://www.profaysenurmerichafiz.com/blog/facial-paralysis-after-salivary-gland-surgery/)
- [Why does a salivary gland swell?](https://www.profaysenurmerichafiz.com/blog/why-does-a-salivary-gland-swell/)

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