Hello: I was diagnosed on Tuesday with mucoepidermoid carcinoma on the left palate, Grade II, by an oral surgeon. I have a follow-up appointment with an ENT next week. I am full of questions. Is an ENT the most likely doctor to treat the cancer? I read some of the previous posts and see that it is rare to be in the minor salivary glands on the roof of the mouth. I would like to know what to expect from surgery and radiation treatments. Is surgery an outpatient or inpatient procedure? What is the recovery like? I know my mouth is very sore from the incision the oral surgeon made to remove the tissue. I can't imagine the pain and healing that will come with having more of my hard palate removed. I have also had a lot of excess fluid in my left ear and wonder if there is a relationship with the tumor. Any input I can get from others who have experienced this form of cancer will be most appreciated. I am also a thyroid cancer survivor of 19 years and wonder if there is a correlation between thyroid cancer, the radioactive iodine treatment and salivary gland cancer. Thank you and God Bless.
Anita