When talking with my MO I asked about moving the saliva glans. He said he would cut a "half-moon" from almost ear to ear under my chin and that both lower saliva glands would be removed in the dissection.

MY QUESTION:

IS THAT THE NORMAL PRACTICE, EXCISING BOTH LOWER GLANDS EVEN THOUGH ONLY THE LEFT SIDE IS AFFECTED?

None of my salivary glands were removed. If anything, there was tons of talk about doing everything possible to preserve what glands could be spared. My radiation was set up to "miss" on large gland and, even though I had conventional radiation, I do pretty good with the saliva. I'm dry but not totally dry and can go all night without a drink, etc. I would ask more questions about this Petey.

I'm not sure what's "normal". I had some salivary glands removed during surgery, and also had conventional radiation so that the remaining glands were pretty well toasted. Notwithstanding that, I've gotten back a surprising amount of salivary function over time.

I agree with Minnie that it probably makes sense to ask more questions about the reasoning in your case.

Cathy

I wouldn't let them do it Petey UNLESS they are cancerous. They should be doing everyting they can to save them. I unfortunately allowed the doctor to remove my lower one when I had the first neck dissection. His statement was 'well it won't work after radiation anyway, so why not take it out?' I was too stupid to know any better. When I had the second neck dissection, they didn't touch the saliva glands, which had managed to survive XRT and still functioned. Really wish I had not let first doctor remove the other one. I'd really question them on this.

Take care and good luck on Thurdsday.
Eileen

Hi,

I am new to this site and dealing with new symptoms myself. Fortunately I am a surgical rep and have seen this procedure many times. Often glands are taken bilaterally pending the situation. If he works deep into the tissue be sure to ask for a nerve monitor to protect the laryngeal nerves. It sounds like the appropriate action is going to be taken. Best of luck and our prayers are with you.

Both of mine were removed. I did not have radiation afterwards as the cancer had not spread - but they did not know that for certain when they removed them. So, it probably depends on each case - if they think it could have spread, where the actual tumor is, etc....

We have just received a copy of all Robins case notes from the hospital,and we knew he had had his salivary gland removed on one side where the secondary tumour was growing ,and i see from the pathology report that it was free from cancer.Rob had a total of 62 lymph nodes removed of which 60 were a negative the 2 positive were associated with the tumour which affected the mandibular gland.My assumption would have to be that when the salivary glands are in close proximity to an affected area they need to be removed for histology.