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Mayo Clinic in Minnesota has been recognized as the best Ear, Nose & Throat hospital in the nation for 2014-2015 by U.S. News & World Report.
You have three pairs of major salivary glands under and behind your jaw — parotid, sublingual and submandibular. Many other tiny salivary glands are in your lips, inside your cheeks, and throughout your mouth and throat.
Salivary gland cancer most commonly occurs in the parotid gland, which is just in front of the ear.
Treatment for salivary gland cancer often involves surgery. Other treatments for salivary gland cancer may include radiation therapy and chemotherapy.
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Signs and symptoms of salivary gland cancer may include:
Make an appointment with your doctor if you have any signs or symptoms that worry you.
Having a lump or area of swelling near your salivary gland is the most common sign of a salivary gland tumor, but it doesn't mean you have cancer. Most salivary gland tumors are noncancerous (benign). Many other noncancerous conditions may lead to a swollen salivary gland, including an infection or a stone in a salivary gland duct.
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It's not clear what causes salivary gland cancer.
Doctors know salivary gland cancer occurs when some cells in a salivary gland develop mutations in their DNA. The mutations allow the cells to grow and divide rapidly. The mutated cells continue living when other cells would die. The accumulating cells form a tumor that can invade nearby tissue. Cancerous cells can break off and spread (metastasize) to distant areas of the body.
Many different types of salivary gland cancer exist. Doctors classify salivary gland cancer based on the type of cells involved in the tumor. The type of salivary gland cancer you have helps your doctor determine which treatment options are best for you.
Types of salivary gland cancer include:
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At Mayo Clinic, we take the time to listen, to find answers and to provide you the best care.
Tests and procedures used to diagnose salivary gland cancer include:
After your cancer is diagnosed, your doctor will determine the extent (stage) of your cancer. Your cancer's stage determines your treatment options and gives your doctor an idea of your prognosis.
Cancer stages are identified by Roman numerals, with stage I indicating a small, localized tumor and stage IV indicating an advanced cancer that has spread to the lymph nodes in the neck or to distant parts of the body.
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No complementary or alternative medicine treatments can cure salivary gland cancer. But complementary and alternative medicine treatments may help you cope with salivary gland cancer and the side effects of cancer treatment.
Many people undergoing radiation therapy for cancer experience fatigue. Your doctor can treat underlying causes of fatigue, but the feeling of being utterly worn out may persist despite treatments.
Complementary therapies can help you cope with fatigue. Ask your doctor about trying:
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People who undergo radiation therapy to the head and neck area often experience very dry mouth (xerostomia). Having a dry mouth can be uncomfortable. It can also lead to frequent infections in your mouth, cavities and problems with your teeth, and difficulty eating, swallowing and speaking.
You may find some relief from dry mouth and its complications if you:
Tell your doctor if you have dry mouth. Treatments may help you cope with more-severe signs and symptoms of dry mouth. Your doctor may also refer you to a dietitian who can help you find foods that are easier to eat if you're experiencing dry mouth.
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Learning you have salivary gland cancer can be frightening. Each person deals with a cancer diagnosis in his or her own way. With time you'll discover ways of coping that work for you. Until then, you might find some comfort if you:
Learn enough to feel comfortable making treatment decisions. Ask your doctor for details about your cancer — the type, stage and treatment options. The more you know, the more comfortable you may feel when making treatment decisions.
Ask your doctor to recommend reliable sources of information where you can learn more. Good places to start include the National Cancer Institute and the American Cancer Society.
Connect with other cancer survivors. Other cancer survivors can offer unique support and insight because they understand what you're experiencing. Connect with other cancer survivors through support groups in your community.
Ask your doctor about support groups or contact your local chapter of the American Cancer Society. Online support groups also are available.
Learn enough to feel comfortable making treatment decisions. Ask your doctor for details about your cancer — the type, stage and treatment options. The more you know, the more comfortable you may feel when making treatment decisions.
Ask your doctor to recommend reliable sources of information where you can learn more. Good places to start include the National Cancer Institute and the American Cancer Society.
Connect with other cancer survivors. Other cancer survivors can offer unique support and insight because they understand what you're experiencing. Connect with other cancer survivors through support groups in your community.
Ask your doctor about support groups or contact your local chapter of the American Cancer Society. Online support groups also are available.
Source: http://www.mayoclinic.com
Factors that may increase your risk of salivary gland cancer include:
Tobacco use increases the risk of many types of head and neck cancers, but it doesn't appear to play a role in the development of salivary gland cancer. However, one type of noncancerous salivary gland tumor, called Warthin tumor, is associated with tobacco use.
Source: http://www.mayoclinic.com
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