Salivary gland cancer is a rare disease which malignant (cancer) cells form in
the salivary gland tissue.
The salivary glands make saliva and release it into the mouth. Saliva has enzymes that help digest food and antibodies that help protect against mouth and throat infections. There are three pairs of major salivary glands:
• Parotid glands: These are the largest salivary glands and found in front of and just below each ear. The majority of salivary gland tumors begin in the gland.
• Sublingual glands: These glands are found below the base of the tongue in the mouth.
• submandibular glands: These glands are found below the jawbone.
There are also hundreds of small (minor) layer of the gland, nose, mouth, larynx and saliva that can be viewed only with a microscope. Small portion of the salivary gland tumors begin in the ceiling (roof of mouth).
More than half of all salivary gland tumors are benign (not cancerous) and do not spread to tissues.
Salivary gland cancer is a type of head and neck cancer
Exposed to several types of radiation may increase the risk of throat cancer.
Anything that increases the chances of developing this disease are called risk factors. Having a risk factor does not mean that you will get cancer; not having risk factors does not mean that you will not get cancer. People who think they may be at risk should discuss this with their doctor. Although the cause of the salivary gland cancer is unknown, risk factors include:
• Older age.
• Treatment with radiation therapy in head and neck.
• Exposure to certain substances in the workplace.
Anything that increases the chances of developing this disease are called risk factors. Having a risk factor does not mean that you will get cancer; not having risk factors does not mean that you will not get cancer. People who think they may be at risk should discuss this with their doctor. Although the cause of the salivary gland cancer is unknown, risk factors include:
• Older age.
• Treatment with radiation therapy in head and neck.
• Exposure to certain substances in the workplace.
Possible signs of salivary gland cancer include a lump or trouble swallowing
Salivary gland cancer may not cause
symptoms. Are sometimes found during a regular dental check up or physical
examination. Symptoms caused by salivary gland cancer can also be caused by
other conditions. A doctor should be consulted if any of the following problems
occur:
• A lump (usually painless) in the ear, cheek, jaw, lips, or inside the mouth.
• Fluid flows from the ear.
• Difficulty swallowing or opening the mouth widely.
• Numbness or weakness of the face.
• Pain in the face that is not lost.
• A lump (usually painless) in the ear, cheek, jaw, lips, or inside the mouth.
• Fluid flows from the ear.
• Difficulty swallowing or opening the mouth widely.
• Numbness or weakness of the face.
• Pain in the face that is not lost.
Tests that examine the head, neck, and the inside of the mouth is used to detect (find) and diagnose salivary gland cancer.
The following procedure may be used:
• Physical examination and history: An exam of the body to check general signs
of health. Head, neck, mouth and throat will be checked for signs of disease,
such as lumps or anything else that seems unusual. History of the patient's
health habits and past illnesses and treatments will also be taken.
• MRI (Magnetic Resonance Imaging): A procedure that uses a magnet, radio waves and computers to create a series of detailed pictures of areas inside the body. This procedure is also called nuclear magnetic resonance imaging (NMRI).
• CT scan (CAT scan): A procedure that makes a series of detailed pictures of areas inside the body, taken from different angles. The images created by computers connected to the x-ray machine. A dye may be injected into a vein or swallowed to help the organs or tissues show up more clearly. This procedure is also called computed tomography, computerized tomography, or computerized axial tomography.
• PET scan (positron emission tomography scan): A procedure to find malignant tumor cells in the body. A small amount of radioactive glucose (sugar) is injected into a vein. PET scanner rotates around the body and create a picture of where glucose is used in the body. Malignant tumor cells appear brighter in the picture because they are more active and take more glucose than normal cells.
• Ultrasound exam: A procedure in which high-energy sound waves (ultrasound) are bounced off internal tissues or organs and make echoes. Echoes form a picture of body tissues called a sonogram. Images can be printed for viewing later.
• Endoscopy: A procedure to look at organs and tissues in the body to check for abnormal areas. For salivary gland cancer, an endoscope is inserted into the mouth to see the mouth, throat, and larynx. Endoscopy is a thin, tube-like instrument with a light and a lens for viewing.
• Fine-needle aspiration (FNA) biopsy: Removal tissue or fluid using a thin needle. A pathologist looking at tissue or fluid under a microscope to look for cancer cells.
Because salivary gland cancer can be difficult to diagnose, patients should ask to have biopsy samples checked by a pathologist who has experience in diagnosing salivary gland cancer.
Certain factors affect treatment options and prognosis (chance of recovery).
Treatment options and prognosis (chance of recovery) depends on the following:
• The type of salivary gland cancer that goes
• Type of cancer cells (how they look under a microscope).
• The patient's age and general health.
