Salivary gland cancer is a rare cancer in your saliva-producing glands, often causing painless lumps in neck and face.
What is salivary gland cancer?
Salivary gland cancer is a rare type of cancer that develops in the salivary glands, which produce saliva. These glands are located in the mouth, throat, and neck.
Salivary gland cancer is a rare type of cancer, representing only 3 – 5% of all head and neck cancers. Most cases occur in individuals aged 50 – 70, though it can affect people of any age, and it is slightly more common in men than women. The majority of salivary gland cancers originate in the parotid gland, the largest salivary gland located in front of the ear. AHN and our expert care providers are here to help you learn and understand about a salivary gland diagnosis and treatment plan.
There are three main pairs of salivary glands and are known as major salivary glands:
- Parotid glands: The largest salivary glands, located in front of the ears.
- Submandibular glands: These are located under the jawbone.
- Sublingual glands: These glands are found under the tongue.
There are also minor salivary glands scattered throughout the oral mucosa (the lining of the mouth). These minor glands are much smaller than the major glands and are not individually named. Salivary gland cancer can occur in any of these glands, but most commonly affects the parotid glands.
AHN Head and Neck Cancer Center of Excellence
At the AHN Head and Neck Cancer Center of Excellence, we have extensive experience in treating patients with salivary gland cancer. You can expect compassionate care, a comprehensive diagnosis, and a personalized treatment plan. At the AHN Cancer Institute, our patients can access robust support services including cancer support groups and palliative care. We also have a cancer genetics department that can help provide more insight into your diagnosis and prognosis.
Our team has a deep understanding of the latest salivary gland cancer treatments. We are committed to personalized care and finding the right treatment for you. Our compassionate team of medical oncologists, radiation oncologists, and otolaryngologists uses the latest research to treat even the most complex cases of cancer. We use minimally invasive techniques whenever possible, so your recovery is shorter and more comfortable. At the AHN Cancer Institute, you can find expert cancer care, close to home.
Salivary gland cancer symptoms and signs
Early salivary gland cancer often doesn’t cause any symptoms. The early signs can often be misunderstood as a common ailment or discomfort. If you notice a worsening of the following symptoms, see your doctor. As the cancer grows, it may cause:
- A painless lump or swelling in the neck, face, or mouth. This is the most common symptom
- Pain in the jaw or ear
- Numbness or tingling in the face
- Difficulty swallowing or chewing
- Changes in facial expression
- Facial weakness
- A persistent sore in the mouth that doesn't heal
- Changes in taste or smell
If you experience any of these symptoms, it’s important to see a doctor right away.
Salivary gland cancer risk factors
The exact cause of salivary gland cancer is unknown, but certain factors can increase the risk:
- Age: The risk increases with age, with most cases occurring after age 50.
- Exposure to radiation: Past radiation therapy to the head or neck area can increase the risk.
- Exposure to certain chemicals: Some chemicals, such as asbestos, nickel, and formaldehyde, may increase the risk.
- Genetic predisposition: Some people may have a genetic predisposition to salivary gland cancer.
- Smoking and alcohol consumption: These habits can increase the risk of developing various cancers, including salivary gland cancer.
Salivary gland cancer screening and diagnosis
There is no routine or specific screening test for salivary gland cancer. That’s why coming to AHN is key. Our team has experience in diagnosing and treating salivary gland cancer. Diagnosing salivary gland cancer involves a combination of medical history, physical examination, and diagnostic tests.
Imaging tests
Once salivary gland cancer is confirmed, imaging tests are used to determine the extent of the cancer. These tests can help determine the size and location of the tumor, whether it has spread to nearby lymph nodes, and if it has metastasized to other parts of the body.
Common imaging tests to help determine the extent of the cancer for salivary gland cancer include:
- CT scans: Computed Tomography (CT) provides detailed cross-sectional images of the sinuses, nasal cavity, and surrounding structures, helping to determine the size and extent of the tumor.
- MRI scans: Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI) provides detailed cross-sectional images of the sinuses, nasal cavity, and surrounding structures, helping to determine the size and extent of the tumor.
Biopsy
If a suspicious area is found during a visual examination, a biopsy is typically performed. This involves taking a small sample of tissue from the affected area and examining it under a microscope.
A biopsy is considered one of the best ways to confirm a cancer diagnosis, including sinonasal cancer. Biopsies give doctors the information needed to understand the cancer type and characteristics.
Types and stages of salivary gland cancer
Staging salivary gland cancer helps doctors determine the best treatment options, estimate the prognosis (outlook), and plan follow-up care. Salivary gland cancer is classified based on the type of cells involved and the stage of the cancer.
Types of salivary glance cancer include:
- Adenocarcinomas: These are the most common type, originating from glandular cells.
- Mucoepidermoid carcinomas: These tumors are made up of both mucus-producing and squamous cells.
- Acinic cell carcinomas: These tumors are rare and tend to grow slowly.
Salivary gland cancer is staged using the TNM system, which stands for Tumor, Node, Metastasis. This system helps doctors determine the extent of the cancer and plan the most appropriate treatment. The staging system is a guide, and the actual prognosis can vary depending on individual factors, such as age, overall health, and response to treatment. Here’s a breakdown of the common stages:
- Stage 0 (Carcinoma in Situ): This is the earliest stage, where abnormal cells are confined to the salivary gland at less than 3 cm in size.
- Stage 1: Early stage, small tumor, no lymph node involvement, no distant spread.
- Stage 2: Larger tumor, or lymph node involvement, no distant spread.
- Stage 3: The cancer has spread beyond the salivary gland, but not to distant organs.
- Stage 4: The cancer has spread to distant organs, such as the lungs, liver, or bones.
The prognosis for salivary gland cancer depends on the stage of the cancer, the type of cells involved, and the patient’s overall health. Early detection and treatment offer the best chance of survival.
Salivary gland cancer treatment
Treatment for salivary gland cancer depends on the type, stage, and location of the cancer, as well as the patient’s overall health. The goal of treatment is to cure the cancer, control its growth, or relieve symptoms. Treatment may involve a combination of different therapies.
Surgery
Surgery is often the most direct way to tackle salivary gland cancer. The surgeon carefully removes the tumor and some surrounding healthy tissue to make sure they get all the cancerous cells. The amount of tissue removed depends on the size and location of the tumor. Sometimes, nearby lymph nodes (small glands that filter fluid) might also be removed to check if the cancer has spread. While surgery can be a big step, advancements in surgical techniques used at AHN minimize scarring and help preserve as much healthy tissue as possible.
Radiation therapy
Radiation therapy uses high-energy beams (like X-rays) to target and kill cancer cells. It’s often used after surgery to destroy any remaining microscopic cancer cells that might be hiding, reducing the risk of recurrence. In some cases, radiation might be used alone, especially for smaller tumors. Radiation can cause some side effects like fatigue, skin irritation, and changes in taste, but these are usually temporary and manageable.
Chemotherapy
Chemotherapy uses powerful drugs to kill cancer cells throughout the body. It’s usually reserved for cases where the cancer has spread beyond the salivary glands (metastasized) or for advanced-stage cancers. While chemotherapy can be effective, it can also cause side effects like nausea, fatigue, hair loss, and low blood counts. These side effects are often manageable with medication and AHN supportive care.
Targeted therapy
Targeted therapy uses drugs that specifically attack cancer cells without harming healthy cells as much as chemotherapy. These drugs often target specific molecules or proteins found on the surface of cancer cells. AHN uses advanced treatments, meaning they are more precise and can cause fewer side effects than traditional chemotherapy. Targeted therapies are becoming increasingly important in treating salivary gland cancer, especially certain types.
Salivary Gland Cancer FAQs
A salivary gland cancer diagnosis cancer diagnosis can bring about a lot of questions. AHN is here to help. You can use these FAQs to inform your conversations with your care team and help you feel more confident in your prognosis and treatment plan.
How do you detect salivary gland cancer?
Salivary gland cancer is typically detected through a combination of a physical examination, where a doctor feels for lumps or swelling in the neck or mouth, and imaging tests like MRI, CT scans, or PET scans to visualize the tumor. A definitive diagnosis is made through a biopsy, where a tissue sample is taken from the suspicious area and examined under a microscope.
What are the signs of salivary gland cancer?
The most common sign of salivary gland cancer is a painless lump or swelling in the jaw, neck, or inside the mouth. Other signs can include persistent pain in the area, numbness or weakness in part of the face, difficulty swallowing, difficulty opening the mouth widely, or fluid draining from the ear.
What is the life expectancy of someone with salivary gland cancer?
Life expectancy for someone with salivary gland cancer is highly variable and depends on many factors, including the specific type and grade of cancer, its stage at diagnosis, the primary tumor's location, and the patient's overall health. While overall survival rates can be good, particularly for early-stage and low-grade tumors, your oncology team can provide a more personalized prognosis.
What are the odds of getting salivary gland cancer?
Salivary gland cancer is relatively rare, accounting for less than 1% of all cancers. The lifetime risk is quite low for the general population. Specific risk factors can increase an individual's odds, such as prior radiation exposure to the head and neck.
Is cancer of the salivary glands curable?
Yes, cancer of the salivary glands is curable, especially when detected and treated early. The success of treatment significantly depends on the type of cancer, its size, location, and whether it has spread. Surgery is often the primary treatment, sometimes followed by radiation therapy.
What happens if salivary gland cancer is left untreated?
If salivary gland cancer is left untreated, it will typically continue to grow and spread to nearby tissues and potentially to distant parts of the body (metastasis), making treatment much more difficult and significantly reducing the chances of a cure. Untreated cancer can also lead to increased pain, disfigurement, and impaired function of the jaw, face, and swallowing.
Is salivary gland cancer treatable?
Yes, salivary gland cancer is treatable. Treatment plans are tailored to the individual and often involve surgery to remove the tumor, which can sometimes be combined with radiation therapy, chemotherapy, or targeted therapies, depending on the cancer's characteristics and stage.
Does salivary gland cancer spread quickly?
The rate at which salivary gland cancer spreads varies greatly depending on the specific type (histology) and grade of the tumor. Some types, particularly high-grade tumors, can spread more aggressively and quickly to local lymph nodes or distant sites, while others are slow-growing and tend to remain localized for longer periods.
Contact us
Call the AHN Cancer Help Line anytime at 412-NURSE-4-U 412-687-7348 to schedule a cancer-related appointment or to just talk with our nurses about diagnoses, treatments, and side effects. You can also contact AHN Otolaryngology for an appointment by calling 412-681-2300.
Second opinions
If you have cancer, you have a team of oncology specialists ready to review your medical records and offer you a second opinion. After completing their review, they’ll talk with you about your goals to determine a course of treatment that’s right for you. To get started, fill out our Second Opinion Request form. A nurse navigator will contact you within the next 24 to 48 hours to discuss next steps and schedule.