Go to whole of WA Government Search
Salivary tumour, disorder or sialolithiasis (salivary stones) Referral Access Criteria

Salivary tumour, disorder or sialolithiasis (salivary stones) Referral Access Criteria

Referrers should use this page when referring patients to public adult ENT outpatient services for salivary tumour, disorder or sialolithiasis (salivary stones).
Emergency referral
If any of the following are present or suspected, refer the patient to the emergency department or seek emergency medical advice if in a remote region.
  • Airway compromise - stridor/drooling breathing difficulty/acute or sudden voice change/severe odynophagia
  • Unilateral facial swelling with or without dental sepsis
  • Profound dysphagia – inability to manage secretions
  • Associated abscess within the neck or Ludwig’s angina
Immediate referral
Orange exclamation mark in triangle: orange alertImmediately contact on-call registrar or service to arrange immediate ENT assessment (seen within 7 days):

  • Nil
To contact the relevant service, see Clinician Assist WA: Acute ENT assessment (external site)
Clinical indications for outpatient referral
If any of these issues are present, refer to outpatient services through the Central Referral Service (CRS).
  • Confirmed or suspected tumour or solid mass in the salivary gland
  • Symptomatic salivary stones with recurrent symptoms unresponsive to treatment
  • Recurring major salivary gland swelling
Mandatory information
Referrals missing 'mandatory information' with no explanation provided may not be accepted by site. If 'mandatory information' is not included, the explanation must be provided in the body of the referral (e.g. patient unable to access test in regional or remote areas or due to financial reason).

This information is required to inform accurate and timely triage. If unable to attach reports, please include relevant information/findings in the body of the referral and advise where (provider) investigation/imaging was completed.
History
  • Relevant history, onset, duration, frequency and severity of symptoms
  • Details of previous treatment and outcome
Examination
  • Site of mass
Investigations
  • USS +/- CT (include provider and date)
Highly desirable
History
  • History of skin cancers removed (if concern with SCC or metastatic disease)
  • History of smoking (for Warthin’s tumour) 
Examination
  • Nil
Investigations
  • FNA results
  • M/C/S results (for sialolithiasis) 
Indicative clinical urgency category

Category 1

Appointment within 30 days

  • Confirmed or suspected tumour or hard mass in the salivary glands
  • Acute salivary gland inflammation which fails to respond to oral antibiotics within 1 week

Category 2

Appointment within 90 days

  • Confirmed benign salivary gland tumour (e.g. pleomorphic adenomas) 

Category 3

Appointment within 365 days

  • Symptomatic salivary stones and/or recurrent symptoms that fail to respond to non-invasive treatment
Exclusions
  • Nil
Useful information
  • Nil

Feedback

If you would like to submit feedback on the contents of the Referral Access Criteria, please complete this form.

Last reviewed: 02-10-2023
wa.gov.au