What is a salivary gland tumor?
Salivary gland tumors arise in the glands that produce saliva, which help you chew, swallow, and speak. These glands are located on both sides of your face near the ears and under the chin.
About 85% to 90% of salivary gland tumors are benign (noncancerous) growths, while about 10% to 15% are malignant (cancerous) tumors.
Most salivary gland tumors grow slowly and aren't life-threatening. Treatment for most benign salivary gland tumors is surgical removal. Cancerous salivary gland tumors may need surgery, radiation therapy, chemotherapy, targeted therapy, or a combination of these treatments.
Signs and symptoms
Signs and symptoms of salivary gland tumors may include:
* A lump or swelling in your face, neck, or under your chin
* Pain or discomfort in your face, neck, or ear
* Difficulty opening your mouth or swallowing
* Facial weakness
* Numbness or tingling in your face
* Dry mouth
* Unexplained weight loss
* Fatigue
* Fever
When to see a doctor
Schedule an appointment with your doctor or dentist if you have:
* A persistent lump or swelling in your face, neck, or under your chin that doesn't go away within two weeks
* Any of the other symptoms associated with salivary gland tumors
Causes
The exact cause of most salivary gland tumors isn't known. Some risk factors that have been linked to an increased risk of salivary gland tumors include:
* Sjögren's syndrome. This is an autoimmune disease that causes dry eyes and mouth. People with Sjögren's syndrome are at increased risk of parotid gland tumors, which are located on both sides of your face near your ears.
* Radiation therapy. People who have received radiation therapy to the head and neck area may be at increased risk of parotid gland tumors.
* Certain viruses. Some viruses, such as the Epstein-Barr virus and human papillomavirus, have been linked to an increased risk of salivary gland tumors.
* Family history of salivary gland tumors. If you have a close relative who has had a salivary gland tumor, you're at increased risk of developing one yourself.
Complications
Complications of salivary gland tumors may include:
* Damage to nerves and muscles. Some salivary gland tumors can damage nerves and muscles in your face, neck, and ear. This can cause facial weakness, drooping, or numbness.
* Difficulty eating and swallowing. Salivary gland tumors can make it difficult to eat and swallow. This can lead to weight loss and malnutrition.
* Speech problems. Salivary gland tumors can affect your speech by making it difficult to move your mouth and tongue.
* Cancer. Salivary gland tumors can be cancerous. Cancerous salivary gland tumors can spread to other parts of your body, including your lungs, liver, and bones.
Prevention
There's no sure way to prevent salivary gland tumors. However, you can reduce your risk by:
* Avoiding exposure to radiation. If you've had radiation therapy to the head and neck area, talk to your doctor about how to minimize your risk of salivary gland tumors.
* Getting vaccinated against the Epstein-Barr virus and human papillomavirus. These viruses have been linked to an increased risk of salivary gland tumors. Talk to your doctor about whether these vaccines are right for you.
Diagnosis
To diagnose a salivary gland tumor, your doctor may recommend one or more of the following tests:
* Physical exam. Your doctor will examine your face, neck, and ears, and feel for any lumps or swellings.
* Medical history. Your doctor will ask about your symptoms and your medical history, including your risk factors for salivary gland tumors.
* Imaging tests: Imaging tests, such as X-rays, CT scans, and MRIs, can help your doctor see the location and size of the tumor.
* Biopsy. A biopsy is a procedure in which a small sample of tissue from the tumor is removed and examined under a microscope. This is the only way to definitively diagnose a salivary gland tumor.
Treatment
Treatment for salivary gland tumors is based on the type and size of the tumor, as well as your overall health. Treatment options may include:
* Surgery. Surgery to remove the tumor is the most common treatment for salivary gland tumors. The type of surgery you have will depend on the location and size of the tumor.
* Radiation therapy. Radiation therapy uses high-energy X-rays to kill cancer cells. It may be used before or after surgery, or as a standalone treatment for smaller tumors.
* Chemotherapy. Chemotherapy uses drugs to kill cancer cells throughout your body. It may be used after surgery or radiation therapy, or as a standalone treatment for advanced cancer.
* Targeted therapy. Targeted therapy uses drugs that attack specific proteins that are involved in the growth of cancer cells. Targeted therapy may be used for inoperable tumors or for tumors that have returned after surgery or radiation therapy.
Prognosis
The prognosis for salivary gland tumors depends on the type and stage of the tumor, as well as your overall health. The prognosis for benign salivary gland tumors is generally excellent, with most people recovering completely after treatment. The prognosis for cancerous salivary gland tumors is more variable, but with early diagnosis and treatment, many people with salivary cancer can be successfully treated.