Page 46 - Head and neck surgery

Salivary glands can be classified into major and minor salivary glands. The smaller the size of the

salivary gland, the higher the chance of malignancy.

Comprehensive clinical and radiological examination is essential for accurate diagnosis and

staging.

Surgery may be offered for benign salivary gland tumours with risk of malignant transformation

and repeated infection.

For malignant salivary gland tumours, surgery is the mainstay treatment. Primary tumour is

resected with adequate resection margins, taking into account major nerve involvement and

regional nodal status. Adjuvant radiotherapy may be indicated in selected patients to further

optimize oncological control.