Learn about Salivary Gland Cancer Treatment in Turkey — how it works, who it is for, recovery timelines, and what to expect before and after surgery. Compare hospitals and doctors experienced in Salivary Gland Cancer and request assistance for cost estimates or appointments.

About Salivary Gland Cancer

Salivary gland cancer treatment by an ENT (Ear, Nose, and Throat) specialist involves a comprehensive approach to diagnose and manage tumors arising in the major (parotid, submandibular, sublingual) or minor salivary glands. The primary treatment is surgical resection, where the surgeon carefully removes the cancerous gland and often surrounding lymph nodes to ensure clear margins while preserving critical facial nerves. Depending on the cancer's stage and type, surgery may be combined with radiation therapy or, less commonly, chemotherapy. The ENT specialist coordinates a multidisciplinary team, including pathologists and oncologists, to provide personalized care aimed at curing the disease, preserving function, and minimizing cosmetic impact. Early diagnosis and precise treatment are crucial for optimal outcomes.

Key Highlights

    Specialized surgical expertise from ENT surgeons to navigate complex facial anatomy and preserve critical nerves.Multidisciplinary approach involving oncology, pathology, and radiology for comprehensive care.Focus on complete tumor removal with clear margins to maximize the chance of a cure.Techniques to preserve facial nerve function and minimize cosmetic disfigurement.Tailored treatment plans based on the specific type, stage, and location of the salivary gland cancer.

Who is this surgery for?

  • A persistent, painless lump or swelling in the cheek, jaw, mouth, or neck.
  • Numbness, weakness, or paralysis in part of the face (indicating possible nerve involvement).li>
  • Persistent pain in a salivary gland area that does not resolve.
  • Difficulty swallowing or opening the mouth widely.
  • Diagnosis of a malignant tumor via fine-needle aspiration (FNA) biopsy or imaging (CT/MRI scan).

How to prepare

  • Comprehensive diagnostic workup including imaging (CT, MRI, or PET scan) and a biopsy to confirm cancer type and stage.
  • Pre-operative consultations with the ENT surgeon, anesthesiologist, and possibly a medical oncologist or radiation oncologist.
  • Discontinuation of certain medications like blood thinners as advised by the doctor.
  • Fasting for 8-12 hours before the scheduled surgery.
  • Arranging for post-operative support and transportation for the recovery period.

Risks & possible complications

  • Damage to the facial nerve, leading to temporary or permanent weakness or paralysis of facial muscles.
  • Bleeding, infection, or hematoma formation at the surgical site.
  • Numbness or altered sensation in the ear, face, or tongue.
  • Frey's syndrome (gustatory sweating), where sweating occurs on the cheek while eating.
  • Salivary fistula (leakage of saliva from the wound) or formation of a mucocele.
  • Recurrence of cancer or the need for additional treatments like radiation.

Recovery & hospital stay

  • Initial hospital stay for monitoring, pain management, and wound care.
  • A drain may be placed near the incision to remove excess fluid for a few days.
  • Diet may start with liquids and soft foods, gradually returning to normal as swallowing improves.
  • Important to keep the head elevated and avoid strenuous activity to reduce swelling.
  • Follow-up appointments to monitor healing, remove stitches, and discuss pathology results.
  • Possible referral for physical therapy or facial rehabilitation if nerve function is affected.
  • Long-term follow-up with regular scans and check-ups to monitor for recurrence.
  • checked Typical hospital stay: 3-7 days
  • checked Expected recovery time: 2-6 weeks

Frequently Asked Questions

If you are considering salivary gland cancer in Turkey, these questions and answers can help you make a confident, informed decision.

Procedure cost in other countries

Here is an overview of how the estimated cost, hospital stay, and recovery time for salivary gland cancer compare across other countries where we have data.

Country Estimated cost range Typical stay Recovery time View details
Turkey USD 12,293 – USD 40,978 3-7 days ~ 2-6 weeks Know More
India USD 1,652 – USD 5,506 3-7 days ~ 2-6 weeks Know More
PATIENT REVIEW

Aarav Sharma, a 58-year-old high school...

Aarav Sharma, a 58-year-old high school history teacher, first noticed a persistent, painless lump below his left ear while shaving. Over three months, it grew slowly but steadily. He dismissed it as a swollen gland from a recent cold, but when it didn't subside and he began experiencing occasional numbness in his lower lip, his wife insisted he see a doctor. An ultrasound revealed a solid mass in his parotid gland. A fine-needle aspiration biopsy confirmed a diagnosis of acinic cell carcinoma, a type of salivary gland cancer. His ENT surgeon, Dr. Mehta, recommended a superficial parotidectomy to remove the tumor while preserving the facial nerve. Aarav was terrified of potential facial paralysis, fearing it would end his teaching career. The surgery was successful, with the nerve intact, but he woke up with temporary weakness on that side of his face. Recovery involved managing drainage from the incision, facial exercises, and dealing with dry mouth. After six weeks of physiotherapy, his facial movement returned almost completely. The emotional journey was profound; the initial fear of cancer and disfigurement gave way to immense gratitude for his care team and a new perspective on life's fragility. He returned to teaching with a slight, now-characteristic smile asymmetry, feeling like a survivor with a story of resilience to share.

ENT Specialists for Salivary Gland Cancer

Explore experienced ent specialists who regularly perform salivary gland cancer and provide pre- and post-operative care in Turkey.

Dr. Mustafa Kazkayası
  • 37 Years Experience
  • ENT Specialist
Speaks: English, Turkish
Consult Charge ₹ 15000
Available Tomorrow
December: 08:00 AM - 08:00 PM

MediFyr Plus Liv Hospital Ankara, Istanbul

OPD-desk synced • Updated
Dr. Mustafa Kazkayası
  • 37 Years Experience
  • ENT Specialist
Speaks: English, Turkish
Consult Charge ₹ 15000
Available Tomorrow
December: 08:00 AM - 08:00 PM

MediFyr Plus Liv Hospital Ankara, Istanbul

OPD-desk synced • Updated
Dr. Mustafa Kazkayası
  • 37 Years Experience
  • ENT Specialist
Speaks: English, Turkish
Consult Charge ₹ 15000
Available Tomorrow
December: 08:00 AM - 08:00 PM

MediFyr Plus Liv Hospital Ankara, Istanbul

OPD-desk synced • Updated
Dr. Mustafa Kazkayası
  • 37 Years Experience
  • ENT Specialist
Speaks: English, Turkish
Consult Charge ₹ 15000
Available Tomorrow
December: 08:00 AM - 08:00 PM

MediFyr Plus Liv Hospital Ankara, Istanbul

OPD-desk synced • Updated
Dr. Mustafa Kazkayası
  • 37 Years Experience
  • ENT Specialist
Speaks: English, Turkish
Consult Charge ₹ 15000
Available Tomorrow
December: 08:00 AM - 08:00 PM

MediFyr Plus Liv Hospital Ankara, Istanbul

OPD-desk synced • Updated
Dr. Mustafa Kazkayası
  • 37 Years Experience
  • ENT Specialist
Speaks: English, Turkish
Consult Charge ₹ 15000
Available Tomorrow
December: 08:00 AM - 08:00 PM

MediFyr Plus Liv Hospital Ankara, Istanbul

OPD-desk synced • Updated
Dr. Mustafa Kazkayası
  • 37 Years Experience
  • ENT Specialist
Speaks: English, Turkish
Consult Charge ₹ 15000
Available Tomorrow
December: 08:00 AM - 08:00 PM

MediFyr Plus Liv Hospital Ankara, Istanbul

OPD-desk synced • Updated
Dr. Mustafa Kazkayası
  • 37 Years Experience
  • ENT Specialist
Speaks: English, Turkish
Consult Charge ₹ 15000
Available Tomorrow
December: 08:00 AM - 08:00 PM

MediFyr Plus Liv Hospital Ankara, Istanbul

OPD-desk synced • Updated
Dr. Harun Küçük
  • 14 Years Experience
  • ENT Specialist
Speaks: English, Turkish
Consult Charge ₹ 15000
Available Tomorrow
December: 08:00 AM - 08:00 PM

MediFyr Plus Liv Hospital Ankara, Istanbul

OPD-desk synced • Updated
Dr. Harun Küçük
  • 14 Years Experience
  • ENT Specialist
Speaks: English, Turkish
Consult Charge ₹ 15000
Available Tomorrow
December: 08:00 AM - 08:00 PM

MediFyr Plus Liv Hospital Ankara, Istanbul

OPD-desk synced • Updated
Dr. Harun Küçük
  • 14 Years Experience
  • ENT Specialist
Speaks: English, Turkish
Consult Charge ₹ 15000
Available Tomorrow
December: 08:00 AM - 08:00 PM

MediFyr Plus Liv Hospital Ankara, Istanbul

OPD-desk synced • Updated
Dr. Harun Küçük
  • 14 Years Experience
  • ENT Specialist
Speaks: English, Turkish
Consult Charge ₹ 15000
Available Tomorrow
December: 08:00 AM - 08:00 PM

MediFyr Plus Liv Hospital Ankara, Istanbul

OPD-desk synced • Updated
Dr. Harun Küçük
  • 14 Years Experience
  • ENT Specialist
Speaks: English, Turkish
Consult Charge ₹ 15000
Available Tomorrow
December: 08:00 AM - 08:00 PM

MediFyr Plus Liv Hospital Ankara, Istanbul

OPD-desk synced • Updated
Dr. Harun Küçük
  • 14 Years Experience
  • ENT Specialist
Speaks: English, Turkish
Consult Charge ₹ 15000
Available Tomorrow
December: 08:00 AM - 08:00 PM

MediFyr Plus Liv Hospital Ankara, Istanbul

OPD-desk synced • Updated
Dr. Harun Küçük
  • 14 Years Experience
  • ENT Specialist
Speaks: English, Turkish
Consult Charge ₹ 15000
Available Tomorrow
December: 08:00 AM - 08:00 PM

MediFyr Plus Liv Hospital Ankara, Istanbul

OPD-desk synced • Updated
Dr. Harun Küçük
  • 14 Years Experience
  • ENT Specialist
Speaks: English, Turkish
Consult Charge ₹ 15000
Available Tomorrow
December: 08:00 AM - 08:00 PM

MediFyr Plus Liv Hospital Ankara, Istanbul

OPD-desk synced • Updated
Dr. Hakan Göçmen
  • 35 Years Experience
  • ENT Specialist
Speaks: English, Turkish
Consult Charge ₹ 15000
Available Tomorrow
December: 08:00 AM - 08:00 PM

MediFyr Plus Liv Hospital Ankara, Istanbul

OPD-desk synced • Updated
Dr. Hakan Göçmen
  • 35 Years Experience
  • ENT Specialist
Speaks: English, Turkish
Consult Charge ₹ 15000
Available Tomorrow
December: 08:00 AM - 08:00 PM

MediFyr Plus Liv Hospital Ankara, Istanbul

OPD-desk synced • Updated
Dr. Hakan Göçmen
  • 35 Years Experience
  • ENT Specialist
Speaks: English, Turkish
Consult Charge ₹ 15000
Available Tomorrow
December: 08:00 AM - 08:00 PM

MediFyr Plus Liv Hospital Ankara, Istanbul

OPD-desk synced • Updated
Dr. Hakan Göçmen
  • 35 Years Experience
  • ENT Specialist
Speaks: English, Turkish
Consult Charge ₹ 15000
Available Tomorrow
December: 08:00 AM - 08:00 PM

MediFyr Plus Liv Hospital Ankara, Istanbul

OPD-desk synced • Updated