Diagnostic Tests for Parotid Tumors

At some point in your parotid tumor journey, you will need to go through diagnostic testing. This process can be very confusing, and patients often don’t understand why certain diagnostic tests are being performed.  

In this episode, Dr. Eric J. Moore, Chair, Department of Otolaryngology-Head and Neck Surgery, Mayo Clinic, Rochester, Minnesota will join us on the show to help us understand the differences between the diagnostic tests and to explain why these tests are used to diagnose parotid tumors. 

Listen in as Dr. Moore shares his knowledge and wisdom with us.

Key Talking Points of the Episode:

·        Ultrasound 

·        CT Scan with Contrast

·        MRI

·        Fine Needle Aspiration

·        PET Scan

·        Core Biopsy

·        How physicians determine the best diagnostic tests for their patients

Memorable Quotes from the Episode:

"In good hands, the outcome of surgery is usually extremely good, and the chance of having permanent facial weaknesses extremely small."

"Even benign parotid tumors need treatment to prevent causing problems in the future."

"We order only the tests that we think will be impactful to our decision making.”

"The surgeon needs to know exactly what type of tumor it is during the primary operation. If they don't have the ability to know that during the operation, then fine needle aspiration biopsy and knowing what it is before the operation is going to be very helpful."

Connect with Us:

·        Parotid Patient Project

·        Facebook

·        Instagram

·        Twitter

·        Email: [email protected]

 Don't forget to like and subscribe to the podcast to stay fully up to date.  

As always, know that you are not alone in this journey.