Parotid gland tumor. Will need surgery. Your experience at Mayo?

Sorry I have been MIA for so long. We have been waiting for the results from her PET scan from last Thursday & let’s just say I’m exhausted from all the worrying.
Dr. told us today that he is 99% sure from scan that the “hot spot” or cancer in her lymph node is coming from her left tonsil. Slight activity on right side. All other major organs were all clear til we got down to the lower bowel. He says that spot is totally unrelated to the tonsil area. We have sat up surgery to remove tonsils & possibly adenoids next Wednesday. From my understanding they will biopsy that to see if it tests positive or negative for something 🤷‍♀️ can’t remember but that will tell them what kind or how much radiation or chemo will actually be needed. We have also sat up an appointment for her to have a colonoscopy & I reckon they will biopsy that spot & go from there with more fear & anxiety. I’m trying to educate myself as much as possible because I know I sound so ignorant but apart from selling my soul for my Momma & to be honest I’ve thought about it 🥹 I’ll do anything for her. I’m praying so hard that this early detection & treatment will keep her around for a very long time. Today’s appointment was the hardest one I’ve ever had to walk into. My whole body was on fire, ears ringing & legs jelly. All I could think of was is this man gonna tell me I’ll not have my Momma much longer & just how I was gonna handle that. So thankful to God that I did not hear that today. I know you guys don’t know me from anyone but I can not tell you how much it means to have you in my life right now & I appreciate all the helpful wonderful comments. All the support & prayers. Much love to you all. So far I’m trusting what the local Dr is saying but after reading some comments I’m wondering if a second opinion is needed & how a person goes about doing that?! What are y’all’s thoughts & opinions?! Let them remove tonsils & start on radiation?! Or go somewhere else & see what they say?!

Very sorry

@mrjcs, welcome. Dental issues are often discussed in the forum. See these related discussions: https://connect.mayoclinic.org/group/head-neck-cancer/

Did you also have radiation?

My team there was dr eric Moore surgery and Dr daniel ma radiation oncologist
Excellent treatment and reconstruction (I lost my facial nerve)

I'm taking Chemo instead of the risk of hitting a nerve anywhere in your face area - very risky too me!
I did the biospy, everything was ok and fast = all NHL B cell cancer. I'm losing some of my teeth due to this tumor. good luck to all cancer patients and surviors!!!!

@missy78 It is very scary to get a cancer diagnosis. Is there a Memorial Sloan Kettering in your area? They have a lot of clinical trials and these show good results. Maybe there is a Mayo clinical locally, again a wonderful place to go to. New treatments show great results. Keep us updated here .

Hi @missy78

Four things during my cancer journey that helped me keep track of everything from diagnosis/treatment options to my medications or pain meds.
One, I bought a Philips VoiceTracer DVT1160 ($42 on Amazon) to record every appointment with every person I was in contact with so I could always go back and play so nothing is missed. Never had any of my doctors or others which I have seen many over the years not allow it and some actually were glad so important information is not missed. I have done this in 2008 with my first tonsil cancer caused from HPV and more recently in 2024 for my tongue cancer which was most likely caused from my radiation treatment in 08’.
Two, go to a cancer center and if possible one that specializes in head & neck.
Three, get a second opinion.
Four, be your own best advocate as you only get ONE life.

Best of luck with the journey and hope this helps ease some of the frustration.

@missy78
Dr Eric Moore (ENT) & Dr Michael Link (neurosurgeon) removed a tumor from my carotid artery July 2025. Often there is damage to the plethora of nerves causing facial drooping, etc. Not in my case...they are as expert as they come! Dr. Moore also removed a large lymph node at the same time. Since then he's recommended checking out my thyroid; I had a biopsy of calcified largest nodule 2 weeks ago. Carotid tumor, lymph node, thyroid nodule have all been benign, but Mayo recommends I have thyroid checked annually since I have multiple nodules. I fly to my appointments, as it is a 3-day drive to get there. My husband and I will keep going there for these checkups, as I was repeatedly told, "no problems" at home. One home ENT even mentioned biopsy of the carotid tumor, which can actually cause coma and death! If you don't have your health and advocate strongly for yourself, you have nothing. Keep pushing for your Mama. A visit to see Dr Moore would be more than well worth it. Those people are SAINTS. Best of everything to you and your mom!

@missy78 It is overwhelming to say the least. You are not alone. Dr. Eric Moore was my surgeon. Mayo Clinic is the best. I was taken care of and knew I was getting the best care I could. I will keep you in my prayers.

@colleenyoung Dr. Eric Moore performed a total parotidectomy and neck dissection to remove the tumor. Mayo is, in my opinion, the best place to get care. It will be 3 years in August. I met Dr. Moore on August 17, and my surgery was on August 28. I am very grateful to everyone at Mayo Clinic.