Certain growths that occur in the salivary glands are known as tumors. However, salivary gland tumors are rare. These glands produce saliva that helps in digestion, moisturizes the mouth, and supports healthy teeth. Salivary glands consist of three major glands under and behind the jaw. For example parotid, sublingual, and submandibular glands. However, there are other small salivary glands located in the lips, inside the cheeks, and throughout the throat and mouth.
These tumors can occur in any salivary gland but are most common in the parotid gland. In any case, most of these tumors are not cancerous. As per studies, 1 out of 5 parotid tumors are cancerous. The treatment usually involves surgery that removes the tumor. In some cases, people may need additional treatments.
Symptoms
- Numbness in part of the face
- Difficulty opening the mouth widely
- Swallowing problems
- Pain near salivary gland
- Muscle weakness on one side of the face
- Lump or swelling on the jaw, neck, or mouth
In case you experience any of the previous symptoms, it is advised to see a doctor.
Causes
The exact cause of many salivary gland tumors is not known but doctors think the following things could increase the risk. Examples include smoking, radiation therapy for cancer, and others. However, more research is required to identify the exact cause of these tumors.
Additionally, these tumors in the salivary glands usually occur due to certain changes that develop in the cell DNA. In normal cases, a cell’s DNA is instructions that tell the cell what to do such as grow, multiply, and die at a set rate. When these cells start to grow and multiply abnormally they form tumors.
In some cases, DNA changes cause normal cells to turn into cancer cells that destroy the body’s healthy cells. Over time, cancer cells may spread throughout the body and it is known as metastatic cancer.
Salivary Gland Tumors Types
Experts classify salivary gland tumors on the type of cells involved in the tumors. Check below non-cancerous salivary gland tumors:
- Pleomorphic adenoma
- Basal cell adenoma
- Oncocytoma
- Canalicular adenoma
- Warthin tumor
Check below other salivary gland tumors that are cancerous:
- Acinic cell carcinoma
- Adenocarcinoma
- Adenoid cystic carcinoma
- Clear cell carcinoma
- Malignant mixed tumor
- Mucoepidermoid carcinoma
- Oncocytic carcinoma
- Polymorphous low-grade adenocarcinoma
- Salivary duct carcinoma
- Squamous cell carcinoma
Risk Factors
- Older age – These tumors can happen at any age but it happens mostly in older people.
- Radiation exposure – Radiation therapy used to treat cancer also can increase the risk of salivary gland tumors.
- Smoking tobacco – As per studies, using tobacco products elevates the risk of salivary gland tumors.
- Viral infections – If you experience infections such as Epstein-Barr virus, human immunodeficiency virus, and human papillomavirus are at higher risk of getting these tumors.
- Exposure to certain substances – In case you are working with chemicals your risk also increases. For instance, workers in industries that involve rubber manufacturing and nickel.
Diagnosis
Commonly, a physical examination is enough to determine whether you have or not salivary gland tumors. Physicians may order you to do some tests to identify the exact location and cell type involved. For example:
- Imaging tests – These include MRI (magnetic resonance imaging), CT (computed tomography), and positron emission tomography (PET) scans.
- Biopsy – During this test, your doctor will remove a sample or tissue and send it to the laboratory test. It helps physicians determine whether cancerous or noncancerous tumors are.
Additionally, if you were diagnosed with salivary gland cancer, you may need to do other tests to identify if the cancer has spread to other tissues and organs.
Treatment
The main treatment for salivary gland tumors is surgery that removes them. However, if you have salivary gland cancer you may need additional treatments. These include radiation therapy, chemotherapy, targeted therapy, or immunotherapy. Check below them in detail:
Surgery
Surgery used to remove tumors in the salivary gland can include:
- The removal of a part of the affected salivary gland – The surgeon will remove a small area if the tumor is small. They can also remove a small part of healthy tissue around it.
- The removal of the whole salivary gland – In such cases, the tumor is large and surgeons advise removing completely the affected salivary gland. It is done to reduce the risk of spreading to other nearby tissues. However, near tissues also can be removed if the cancer spreads. These include facial nerves, facial bones, skin, and others.
- The removal of lymph nodes in the neck – In some cases, the cancer spreads from salivary glands to the lymph nodes. Thus, physicians may remove lymph nodes from the neck and check them for cancer.
- Reconstructive surgery – Some people need reconstructive surgery. This procedure is usually done if the surgeon removes bone, skin, or nerves around the tumor. During this surgery, they work to repair and improve the ability to speak, swallow, chew, breathe, and move the face.
Additionally, salivary gland surgery is often difficult because near the gland are located different nerves responsible for facial movement.
Radiation Therapy
Physicians may recommend this therapy for those who were diagnosed with salivary gland cancer. This treatment uses powerful energy beams to destroy cancer cells. In most cases, radiation therapy is used in combination with chemotherapy and when surgery is not possible.
Chemotherapy
This treatment option involves strong medicines to kill cancer cells in the salivary glands. Usually, healthcare professionals prescribe this treatment option for people with advanced salivary gland cancer.
Targeted Therapy
This treatment blocks specific chemicals that are needed for cancer cells to grow. As a result, cancer cells begin to die. Targeted therapy is usually used when surgery is not possible and when cancer spreads to other tissues and organs in the body.
Immunotherapy
This cancer treatment involves medications that boost the body’s defense (immune system), which helps to identify and destroy cancer cells. However, cancer cells produce certain chemicals which help them to hide from the immune system.
Frequently Asked Questions
What are the primary salivary gland tumors symptoms?
- Lump or swelling on or near the jaw or in the neck or mouth
- Face muscle weakness (usually on one side)
- Numbness
- Pain near salivary gland
- Swallowing problems
- Opening widely the mouth becomes difficult
If you notice any of the previous symptoms, immediately visit a doctor.
What are the possible salivary tumor complications?
Facial nerve damage can occur in people with salivary gland tumors. However, facial nerves help to control movement and feeling in the face. Discuss with your healthcare professional for more details.
What is the most common treatment option for salivary gland tumors?
The most common treatment used for salivary gland tumors is surgery. However, different surgeries are available and which one you will receive depends on the size and location of the tumors. Furthermore, if the surgery is not possible, your doctor will prescribe other treatments. These include radiation therapy, chemotherapy, targeted therapy, and others. In case you have other questions, ask your healthcare professional.
