Go through these in order and stop at the first one that applies. If you are reading this for someone else, answer for them.
1
Is any of this happening now?
Call 911
Call emergency services if swelling causes difficulty breathing, severe choking, or an inability to swallow saliva.
Other emergency signs, for anyone
Someone who is struggling to breathe, gasping, choking, or cannot get words out
Someone who has chest pain, tightness or pressure lasting more than a few minutes
Someone who has sudden weakness or drooping on one side of the face or body, slurred speech, or sudden confusion
Someone who is unconscious, or cannot be woken
Someone who is bleeding heavily and it will not stop with firm pressure
Someone who has had a seizure that will not stop, or does not wake up afterwards
Someone who has lips or skin that look pale, blue, grey or blotchy
Someone who you believe has taken an overdose or swallowed something poisonous
2
Is any of this happening?
Be seen today
Seek prompt medical assessment for new facial weakness, facial numbness, rapidly increasing swelling, or worsening swallowing difficulty.
These symptoms can indicate a blocked airway and should not wait for a routine appointment.
3
Does any of this apply?
Book an appointment
Arrange a routine medical or dental appointment for:
A lump near the ear, jaw, cheek, mouth, or neck that persists
Swelling that is slowly enlarging
Ongoing pain near a salivary gland
Repeated swelling that happens during meals
Persistent trouble opening your mouth, chewing, or swallowing
Routine follow-up remains important even when you feel well.
The article also says
After treatment, contact your care team about a new lump, increasing pain, new facial weakness, unexplained breathlessness, or other persistent changes.
Every sign above is quoted from the sofidex article on Salivary gland tumors. If you are not sure, err upward — it is always reasonable to be checked.