Reasonable Hypothesis SOP [1] | 102 of 2023 |
Balance of Probabilities SOP [2] | 103 of 2023 |
Salivary gland malignancies are a rare type of cancer that begins in the salivary gland. This malignancy can involve the major salivary glands (the parotid, submandibular, and sublingual glands), the minor salivary glands (there are hundreds scattered throughout the oral cavity) and the salivary ducts. Benign neoplasms of the salivary gland are relatively more common than salivary gland cancer.
Confirmation requires histological examination from excision or biopsy of the tumour.
The relevant medical specialists include Oral and Maxillofacial surgeons, ENT surgeons or Oncologists.
* another SOP applies - the SOP has the same name unless otherwise specified
# non-SOP condition
Clinical onset will generally be at the time of diagnosis. However, in some cases it may be possible to back-date the clinical onset on the basis of the first presentation of symptoms and signs once the diagnosis has been established. An early sign may be the appearance of a painless lump or swelling on or near the jaw, in the neck or in the mouth. As the malignancy progresses, there may be pain in the area of the salivary gland, facial numbness or weakness, difficulty swallowing, change in voice or difficulty opening the mouth fully.
The only SOP worsening factor is for inability to obtain appropriate clinical management. The management options of salivary gland cancers depends on various factors including the stage of disease but delay in appropriate treatment could result in worsening of the condition. Establishing whether worsening beyond the normal course of the disease has occurred will generally require expert medical opinion from the appropriate treating specialist.
Links
[1] http://www.rma.gov.au/assets/SOP/2023/5d269eecfd/102.pdf
[2] http://www.rma.gov.au/assets/SOP/2023/7974b1cd60/103.pdf
[3] https://clik.dva.gov.au/system/files/media/SOP%20Bulletin%20239_0.pdf