ADVANCEDONC

Salivary gland cancer is a very rare disease in which malignant (cancer) cells form in the tissues of the salivary glands.

The salivary glands are responsible for making saliva and releasing it into the mouth, aiding in food digestion and protecting the mouth and throat from bacteria and infections. There are 3 pairs of major salivary glands:

• Parotid glands: These are the largest salivary glands and are found in front of and just below each ear. This gland is often where a major salivary gland tumor may begin.


• Sublingual glands: These glands are found under the tongue in the bottom of the mouth.


• Submandibular glands: These glands are found below the jawbone.

More than half of all salivary gland tumors are benign (not cancerous) and do not spread to other tissues. And although a rare disease, being exposed to certain types of radiation may increase the risk of salivary cancer.

Some important risk factors to consider are, older age, treatment with radiation therapy to the head and neck, and being exposed to certain harmful substances on a day to day basis, like at work. Risk factors increase a person’s chance of getting the disease, although having a risk factor does not mean you will get cancer, and not having a risk factor doesn’t mean you will not get cancer. Risk factors are important things to discuss with your doctor.

Some salivary gland cancer symptoms include a lump or trouble swallowing, although sometimes this type of cancer does not cause any symptoms. It is at times found during a regular dental check-up or physical exam. A doctor should be consulted if any of the following problems occur: a lump in the ear, cheek, jaw, lip, or mouth area, which is often noticeable, but usually painless; draining of fluid from the ear, trouble swallowing, or opening the mouth wide, numbness or weakness in the face, or pain in the face which does not go away.

There are tests that examine the head, neck, and the inside of the mouth are used for salivary gland cancer prognosis, such as physical exam, MRI, CT scan, PET scan, Ultrasound exam, endoscopy, or fine needle aspiration (FNA) biopsy, in which a small needle is used to extract tissue cells which are viewed by a pathologist to look for cancer.

Salivary gland cancer treatment options and prognosis (chance of recovery) usually depend on the stage of the cancer, the size of the tumor, where the cancer is located, they type of cancer cells, and the patient’s age and general health. For more information on this and other types of cancer associated with the head and neck, visit the Center for Advanced Head & Neck Oncology or www.advancedonc.com.

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