Salivary Gland Cancer Overview

Salivary gland cancer is a rare type of head and neck cancer that begins in the salivary glands, which produce saliva to aid digestion and keep the mouth moist. Most tumors form in the parotid glands in front of the ears. Less often, the cancer develops in the sublingual glands under the tongue, the submandibular glands below the jawbone or the minor glands throughout the mouth, nose and voice box (larynx).

Salivary gland cancer is relatively rare, accounting for less than 1% of all cancer diagnoses.

What causes salivary gland cancer?

Salivary gland cancer occurs when healthy cells in the salivary glands undergo harmful changes that cause the cells to grow uncontrollably and form tumors. Although the exact mechanism behind these genetic mutations is not well understood, scientists have identified several factors that can increase the risk of salivary gland cancer.

What are the risk factors for salivary gland cancer?

Risk factors for parotid gland tumors and other types of salivary gland cancer include:

• Advanced age – The average age at the time of diagnosis is 64.
• Radiation exposure – Radiation treatment delivered to the head or neck can increase the risk of salivary gland cancer.
• Tobacco use – Smoking and chewing tobacco are known to significantly increase the risk of head and neck cancer.
• Certain workplace exposures – Exposure to certain substances in the workplace, such as sawdust, industrial solvents, pesticides, nickel alloy dust, rubber and silica dust, may increase the risk of developing salivary gland cancer.

What are the signs and symptoms of salivary gland cancer?

Symptoms of salivary gland cancer can include:

• A lump or swelling in or near the jaw, neck or mouth
• Pain around the tumor
• Difficulty swallowing or opening the mouth widely
• Facial numbness or weakness on one side
• Persistent sore throat or a feeling of fullness in the throat
• Ear drainage

How is salivary gland cancer diagnosed?

The diagnostic process for salivary gland cancer may include:

• Imaging – Computed tomography (CT), magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) and positron emission tomography (PET) scans can help a physician visualize a parotid gland tumor and assess its location, size and spread.
• Fine needle aspiration (FNA) biopsy – A minimally invasive procedure, FNA involves using a thin needle to extract a sample of cells from a suspicious lump for microscopic examination by a pathologist, who can identify cancerous cells.
• Core needle biopsy – A long, hollow needle is used to remove a small cylinder of tissue from a parotid gland tumor.
• Incisional or excisional biopsy – A physician may perform an incisional biopsy to remove part of a tumor or an excisional biopsy to remove all of the tumor for a more detailed analysis.

How is salivary gland cancer treated?

In most cases, the primary treatment for salivary gland cancer is surgical removal of the tumor, a slim margin of surrounding healthy tissue and some nearby lymph nodes. However, the optimal approach can vary depending on the type, stage and location of the tumor and the patient’s overall health. Other options may include:

• Radiation therapy – After surgery, radiation treatment may be administered to destroy any remaining microscopic cancer cells. It can also be used as a first-line treatment if surgery is not feasible.
• Chemotherapy – Typically, chemo is used for advanced or metastatic salivary gland tumors that cannot be surgically removed or have spread to other parts of the body.
• Targeted therapy – Special drugs can target the unique characteristics of the cancer cells, such as specific proteins or genetic mutations.

Frequently asked questions (FAQs) about salivary gland cancer

The following FAQs-related article provides additional information about salivary gland cancer:

• How is salivary gland cancer treated?

Benefit from world-class care at Moffitt Cancer Center

Moffitt’s renowned Head and Neck Cancer Program offers the latest diagnostic and treatment options for salivary gland cancer, including laser and robotic-assisted surgery and a robust portfolio of clinical trials. In addition to some of the best surgical oncologists in the nation, our multispecialty team also includes supportive care specialists, such as experienced dietitians who can help our patients maintain adequate nutrition while recovering from oral surgery.

As a National Cancer Institute-designated Comprehensive Cancer Center, Moffitt is nationally recognized for performing groundbreaking research. We are proud to offer our patients unique opportunities to benefit from promising new therapies that are not yet available in other settings.

If you would like to learn more about salivary gland cancer, you can request an appointment with a specialist in our Head and Neck Cancer Program by calling 1-888-663-3488  or submitting a new patient registration form online. We do not require referrals.