Salivary gland tumors are rare types of tumors that begin in the salivary glands.
Salivary gland tumors can begin in any of the salivary glands in your mouth, neck or throat. Salivary glands make saliva, which aids in digestion, keeps your mouth moist and supports healthy teeth.
You have three pairs of major salivary glands under and behind your jaw â parotid, sublingual and submandibular. Many other tiny salivary glands are in your lips, inside your cheeks, and throughout your mouth and throat.
Salivary gland tumors most commonly occur in the parotid gland, accounting for nearly 85 percent of all salivary gland tumors. Approximately 25 percent of parotid tumors are cancerous (malignant).
Treatment for salivary gland tumors often involves surgery. Treatments for salivary gland tumors may also include radiation therapy and chemotherapy.
Source: http://www.mayoclinic.com
Signs and symptoms of a salivary gland tumor may include:
Make an appointment with your doctor if you have any signs or symptoms that worry you.
Having a lump or an 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.
Source: http://www.mayoclinic.com
Salivary gland tumors are rare, accounting for less than 10 percent of all head and neck tumors. It's not clear what causes salivary gland tumors.
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 tumors exist. Doctors classify salivary gland tumors based on the type of cells involved in the tumors. Knowing the type of salivary gland tumor you have helps your doctor determine which treatment options are best for you.
The most common benign salivary gland tumor is a pleomorphic adenoma. This is typically a slow-growing tumor that occurs most often in the parotid gland. Other benign salivary gland tumors include:
Types of malignant salivary gland tumors include:
Source: http://www.mayoclinic.com
Tests and procedures used to diagnose salivary gland tumors include:
If you're diagnosed with having salivary gland cancer, 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.
Source: http://www.mayoclinic.com
No complementary or alternative medicine treatments can cure salivary gland tumors. If you're diagnosed with having salivary gland cancer, complementary and alternative medicine treatments may help you cope with 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:
Source: http://www.mayoclinic.com
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.
Source: http://www.mayoclinic.com
Learning you have a salivary gland tumor can be frightening. Each person deals with this 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 tumor â the type, stage and treatment options. The more you know, the more comfortable you may feel when making treatment decisions.
If you have salivary gland cancer, 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 others. Other people who've had salivary gland tumors can offer unique support and insight because they understand what you're experiencing. Connect with others through support groups in your community.
If you have salivary gland cancer, 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 tumors include:
Source: http://www.mayoclinic.com
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