Cancer types
Cancer of the salivary gland
There are 4 main glands:
- Sublingual glands: Underneath the tongue
- Parotid glands: At the sides of the mouth just in front of the ears
- Submandibular glands: Under the jawbone (mandible)
- Minor salivary glands: Around the mouth
Salivary gland cancers are most commonly found in people over 50.
What causes it?
The causes of salivary gland cancers are unknown.
What are the symptoms?
Common symptoms of cancer of the salivary gland are.
- Unexplained swelling on side of the face
- Numbness of the face
- Drooping of the face (palsy)
TIP: If you have any of these symptoms you should have them checked by your doctor - but remember, they are common to many illnesses other than salivary gland cancer.
How is it diagnosed?
After visiting your GP you will probably be referred to a hospital for some tests. These may include:
If the results of the test show you have salivary gland cancer, you will be referred to a doctor who specialises in its treatment.
How is it treated?
The team of doctors and other staff at the hospital will plan treatment. It will depend on the size of the tumour and where it is. Treatment may be undertaken by an oncologist (a doctor who specialises in treating cancer with chemotherapy) a orthopaedic surgeon (a surgeon who specialises in bones) and a radiologist (a doctor who specialises in treating cancer with radiation).
Treatment may involve
- Surgery
- Radiotherapy
- Chemotherapy
Most people have chemotherapy to shrink to size of the tumour and to get rid of any cancer cells around the body. This is usually followed with surgery to remove the tumour. More chemotherapy and radiotherapy usually follows.
Surgery for salivary gland cancer
The aim of surgery is to remove the tumour. Surgery may be used to remove the salivary gland. The surgeon may also remove the lymph nodes (neck dissection) in an effort to reduce the risk of the cancer spreading and returning.
For more information about surgery, go to our surgery fact sheet
Radiotherapy for salivary gland cancer
Radiotherapy treats cancer by using high-energy rays to destroy cancer cells, while doing as little harm as possible to normal tissue. Radiotherapy may cause the salivary glands to dry up and so mouth cancer and frequent trips to the dentist are required.
For more information about radiotherapy, go to our radiotherapy fact sheet
Chemotherapy for salivary gland cancer
Chemotherapy is not often used in the treatment of salivary gland cancer.
For more information about chemotherapy, go to our chemotherapy fact sheet
Side Effects
There are some side effects of the treatments for salivary gland cancer which can be found in our side effects fact sheet
More information
You may want to check out the websites or fact sheets on the left hand side for more information other cancers, and related topics.
Check out our community pages to chat with other young people about salivary gland cancer, or its treatment….or anything really.
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