Salivary gland cancer symptoms & treatment

Salivary gland cancer is a rare disease that makes up less than 1% of all cancers diagnosed in the U.S. It happens when cancer cells form in the tissues of the salivary glands.

Salivary glands anatomy

There are three major types of salivary glands (also called saliva glands) located in the mouth, neck and throat:

• Parotid glands: The parotid glands are the largest salivary glands, and they’re in each cheek, over the lower jaw and in front of the ears.
• Sublingual glands: The sublingual glands are under the tongue and on the floor of the mouth.
• Submandibular glands: The submandibular glands are at the back of the mouth and on both sides of the jaw.

Additional small salivary glands, called minor salivary glands, are located in the lips, inner cheeks and the lining of the mouth and throat. The salivary glands produce saliva to keep your mouth lubricated and help with breaking down food.

Symptoms of salivary gland cancer

Salivary gland cancer symptoms may include:

• Painless swelling of the glands in front of the ears, under the chin or on the floor of the mouth

• A firm mass or swelling in the face or neck

• Burning, prickling, tickling or tingling sensation in the face (paresthesia)

• Difficulty moving one side of your face

• Difficulty swallowing

• Numbness or weakness in the face

Risk factors related to salivary gland cancer

Anyone can develop salivary gland cancer, but it’s more common in men. You’re also more likely to get salivary gland cancer if you:

• Are 55 or older
• Smoke or use alcohol frequently
• Have received radiation therapy on your head or neck
• Work as a plumber or have a job that involves working closely with rubber product manufacturing, asbestos or leatherwork

Diagnosis of salivary gland cancer

First, you’ll meet with your doctor for a physical exam to check your head, neck, mouth and throat for signs of disease. They’ll also ask about your symptoms, health habits and past illnesses.

Testing related to salivary gland cancer

• MRI: This test uses a magnet, radio waves and a computer to make a series of detailed pictures.
• CT scan: This test takes a series of detailed pictures linked to an X-ray machine. A dye may be injected or swallowed to help tissues show up more clearly.
• PET scan: For this test, a small amount of radioactive glucose (sugar) is injected into the mouth to look at the mouth, throat and larynx. Malignant tumor cells show up brighter on the picture because they absorb more glucose than normal cells.
• Biopsy: If cancer is suspected from the imaging tests, your doctor may perform a biopsy to confirm the presences of cancerous tissues. For a biopsy, the doctor removes tissue or fluid from the affected area using a needle or performs surgery to cut into the affected area.

Salivary gland cancer treatment

If you have salivary gland cancer, our team of expert neurosurgeons at Aurora will work with you to determine the best course of cancer treatment.

Surgery for cancer in the salivary glands

Salivary gland cancer is usually treated with surgery first and, depending on the type of tumor, sometimes followed with radiation and possibly chemotherapy. Surgical cancer treatment may include removing:

• A section of the affected salivary gland
• The entire salivary gland
• Lymph nodes in your neck

Reconstructive facial surgery may be necessary in cases where a significant part of the facial bones, skin or nerves were removed along with the salivary gland or lymph nodes.

Other therapies for cancer in the salivary glands

If doctors are unable to remove all the cancer during surgery, they may also use radiation therapy or chemotherapy as part of treatment.