Preparing for an appointment

If you have any signs or symptoms that worry you, make an appointment with your family doctor or dentist.

If your doctor or dentist suspects you may have a salivary gland tumor, you may be referred to a doctor who specializes in diseases of the face, mouth, teeth, jaws, salivary glands and neck (oral and maxillofacial surgeon) or to a doctor who specializes in diseases that affect the ears, nose and throat (ENT specialist).

Because appointments can be brief, and because there's often a lot of information to consider, it's a good idea to be well prepared. Here's some information to help you get ready, and know what to expect from your doctor.

What you can do

• Be aware of any pre-appointment restrictions. At the time you make the appointment, be sure to ask if there's anything you need to do in advance, such as restrict your diet.
• Write down any symptoms you're experiencing, including any that may seem unrelated to the reason for which you scheduled the appointment.
• Write down key personal information, including any major stresses or recent life changes.
• Make a list of all medications, vitamins or supplements that you're taking.
• Consider taking a family member or friend along. Sometimes it can be difficult to remember all the information provided during an appointment. Someone who accompanies you may remember something that you missed or forgot.
• Write down questions to ask your doctor.

Your time with your doctor is limited, so preparing a list of questions can help you make the most of your time together. List your questions from most important to least important in case time runs out. For salivary gland tumors, some basic questions to ask include:

• Where is my salivary gland tumor located?
• How large is my salivary gland tumor?
• Is my salivary gland tumor cancerous?
• If the tumor is cancerous, what type of salivary gland cancer do I have?
• Has my cancer spread beyond the salivary gland?
• Will I need more tests?
• What are my treatment options?
• Can my salivary gland tumor be cured?
• What are the potential side effects of each treatment option?
• Will treatment make it difficult for me to eat or speak?
• Will treatment affect my appearance?
• Should I see a specialist? What will that cost, and will my insurance cover it?
• Are there brochures or other printed material that I can take with me? What websites do you recommend?

In addition to the questions that you've prepared to ask your doctor, don't hesitate to ask other questions that occur to you during your appointment.

What to expect from your doctor

Your doctor is likely to ask you a number of questions. Being ready to answer them may allow time later to cover other points you want to address. Your doctor may ask:

• When did you first begin experiencing symptoms?
• Have your symptoms been continuous or occasional?
• How severe are your symptoms?
• What, if anything, seems to improve your symptoms?
• What, if anything, appears to worsen your symptoms?