What is Salivary Gland Cancer

Salivary gland cancer is a type of head and neck cancer. Salivary glands make saliva and are part of the digestive system.

Three major salivary glands are located on each side of the face. One is in front of the ear (parotid glands), one is below the jaw (submandibular glands), and one is under the floor of the mouth (sublingual glands). There are many additional minor salivary glands.

Abnormal areas of growth (tumors) in the salivary glands are often not cancerous (are benign). However, when cancer is present, it is usually found in one of the three major salivary glands.

Feeling a lump inside the mouth or around the jaw, neck, or cheek may be the first sign of this cancer. Tumors can block the flow of saliva or put pressure on nerves or other facial structures, causing pain, irritation, and inflammation. Salivary gland cancer may spread (metastasize) to other parts of the body.

What are the causes?

The cause of this condition is not known.

What increases the risk?

The following factors may make you more likely to develop this condition:

• Having a history of radiation treatments to the head or neck area.
• Older age.
• Being a male.
• Having a family history of salivary gland cancer.
• Exposure to certain substances in the workplace, such as asbestos or some substances used in plumbing or in rubber product manufacturing.

What are the signs or symptoms?

Symptoms of this condition include:

• Swelling.
• Pain.
• Facial weakness, numbness, or paralysis.
• Sores on the inside of the mouth, throat, nose, or lips.
• Trouble swallowing.
• Difficulty opening the mouth widely.

In some cases, there are no symptoms.

How is this diagnosed?

This condition is diagnosed based on:

• Your symptoms and medical history.
• A physical exam.
• Tissue biopsy. In this procedure, a small sample of salivary gland tissue is removed and examined under a microscope to look for abnormal cells. The tissue sample may be obtained by inserting a small needle into the tumor (fine needle aspiration).

You may also have other tests, including:

• Imaging studies, such as:
  • CT scan.
  • MRI.
  • PET scan.
  • Ultrasound.
  • Endoscopy.
• Blood tests or other tests.

How is this treated?

Treatment for this condition depends on the type of cancer, its location, its size, and whether it has spread to lymph nodes or other parts of the body. Treatment may include:

• Surgery. This may involve the removal of the gland as well as surrounding structures that may be affected by cancer, such as nerves or lymph nodes.
• Radiation. This uses high-energy rays to kill the cancer cells.
• Chemotherapy. This uses medicines to kill the cancer cells.

Treatments may be done alone or in combination.

Follow these instructions at home:

• Follow your care plan as directed by your cancer care team.
• Return to your normal activities as told by your health care provider. Ask your health care provider what activities are safe for you.
• Work with your health care provider to manage side effects of treatment.
• Do not use any products that contain nicotine or tobacco, such as cigarettes and e-cigarettes. If you need help quitting, ask your health care provider.
• Do not use alcohol.
• Take over-the-counter and prescription medicines only as told by your health care provider.
• Keep all follow-up visits as told by your health care provider. This is important.

Contact a health care provider if:

• You have pain or numbness in your face or throat.
• You find a lump in your mouth, cheek, jaw, or neck.
• You have sores in your mouth, nose, or throat that do not get better with treatment.
• You develop a cough that does not go away.
• You develop any bone pain.

Get help right away if:

• You have trouble breathing.
• You have trouble swallowing.

Summary

• Salivary gland cancer is a type of head and neck cancer.
• Three major salivary glands are located on each side of the face. They are the parotid, submandibular, and sublingual glands.
• Tumors in the salivary glands are often not cancerous (are benign). However, when cancer is present, it is usually found in one of the three major salivary glands.
• The cause of this condition is not known. Having a history of radiation treatments to the head or neck area may make you more likely to develop this condition. Also, certain workplace exposures can increase your risk.
• Treatment for this condition depends on the type of cancer, its location, its size, and whether it has spread (metastasized) to lymph nodes or other parts of the body.