Diagnosis

Doctors use many tests to diagnose cancer and determine if it has metastasized. Some tests may also determine which treatments may be the most effective. For most types of cancer, a biopsy is the only way to make a definitive diagnosis of cancer. If a biopsy is not possible, the doctor may suggest other tests that will help make a diagnosis. For a salivary gland tumor, a fine needle aspiration biopsy (see below) is the preferred method of examination in making a diagnosis. A surgical (incisional) biopsy should be avoided in almost every case (with rare exceptions). Imaging tests may be used to find out whether the cancer has metastasized. Your doctor may consider these factors when choosing a diagnostic test:

• Age and medical condition
  
  
• The type of cancer suspected
  
  
• Severity of symptoms
  
  
• Results of previous tests

A medical history and physical examination should be done carefully, and the doctor will ask about potential risk factors. A thorough examination of the skin by a doctor is particularly important if the patient has ever had a skin tumor. If there is facial nerve paralysis, specific tests will be necessary, and an examination of the oral cavity (mouth), hypopharynx (lower throat), and larynx (voicebox) will also be done.

In addition to a physical examination, the following tests may be used to diagnose salivary gland cancer:

Biopsy. A biopsy is the removal of a small amount of tissue for examination under a microscope. Other tests can suggest that cancer is present, but only a biopsy can make a definite diagnosis. The sample removed from the biopsy is analyzed by a pathologist (a doctor who specializes in interpreting laboratory tests and evaluating cells, tissues, and organs to diagnose disease).

Fine needle aspiration (cytology). In this type of biopsy, cells are withdrawn using a thin needle inserted directly into the tumor. The cells are examined under a microscope for signs of cancer, and should be examined by a cytologist with expertise in salivary gland cancer.

Endoscopy. This test allows the doctor to see inside the body with a thin, lighted, flexible tube called an endoscope. The person may be sedated as the tube is inserted through the mouth, down the esophagus, and into the stomach and small bowel. The examination has different names depending on the area of the body that is examined, such as laryngoscopy (larynx), pharyngoscopy (pharynx), or a nasopharyngoscopy (nasopharynx).

Computed tomography (CT or CAT) scan. A CT scan creates a three-dimensional picture of the inside of the body with an x-ray machine. A computer then combines these images into a detailed, cross-sectional view that shows any abnormalities or tumors. Sometimes, a contrast medium (a special dye) is injected into a patient’s vein to provide better detail.

Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI). An MRI uses magnetic fields, not x-rays, to produce detailed images of the body, especially images of soft tissue, such as the tonsils and base of the tongue. A contrast medium may be injected into a patient’s vein to create a clearer picture.

Ultrasound. An ultrasound uses sound waves to create a picture of the internal organs.

Positron emission tomography (PET) scan. A PET scan is a way to create pictures of organs and tissues inside the body. A small amount of a radioactive substance is injected into a patient’s body and absorbed by the organs or tissues being studied. This substance gives off energy that is detected by a scanner, which produces the images.

Panorex. This is a rotating, or panoramic, x-ray of the upper and lower jawbones to detect cancer, or to evaluate teeth before cancer treatment.

There are no specific blood or urine tests that can detect a salivary gland tumor, and there are no tumor markers (substances found in higher than normal amounts in the blood, urine, or body tissues of people with certain kinds of cancer) for salivary gland cancer known at this time.

Learn more about what to expect when having common tests, procedures, and scans.

Find out more about common terms used during a diagnosis of cancer.