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Follow-up after treatment for salivary gland cancer
Follow-up after treatment is an important part of cancer care. Follow-up for salivary gland cancer is often shared among the cancer specialists (oncologists), your family doctor and your dentist. Your healthcare team will work with you to decide on follow-up care to meet your needs.
Don’t wait until your next scheduled appointment to report any new symptoms and symptoms that don’t go away. Tell your healthcare team if you have:
- new pain or pain that gets worse
- problems swallowing or opening your mouth
- numbness or tingling in your hands or feet
- any new lump or swelling
The chance of salivary gland cancer recurring is greatest within 2 years, so close follow-up is needed during this time. Some types of salivary gland cancer can recur many years after treatment, so you may need long-term follow-up.
Schedule for follow-up visits
Follow-up visits for salivary gland cancer are usually scheduled:
- every 3 months for the 1st and 2nd year after initial treatment
- every 6 months until 5 years
- once each year after 5 years
During follow-up visits
During a follow-up visit, your healthcare team will usually ask questions about the side effects of treatment and how you’re coping. Your doctor may do a physical exam, including:
- checking your face and surgical site
- feeling the lymph nodes in your neck
- checking your teeth and mouth
Tests are often part of follow-up care. You may have:
- chest x-ray if your doctor thinks the cancer has recurred in the lungs
- CT scan or MRI if your doctor thinks the cancer has recurred in the salivary gland or other parts of the body
- bone scan to look for cancer that has spread to the bone
If a recurrence is found, your healthcare team will assess you to determine the best treatment options.
Questions to ask about follow-up
To make the decisions that are right for you, ask your healthcare team questions about follow-up.
Cancer affects all Canadians

Nearly 1 in 2 Canadians is expected to be diagnosed with cancer in their lifetime.