Salivary Gland Cancer

Salivary gland cancer effects either of the two types of glands that produce saliva. Major salivary glands include the parotid, where tumors are most often found with this type of cancer. Cancer is rarely found in the minor salivary glands. Salivary gland cancer is a rare type of head and neck cancer.

At Goshen Center for Cancer Care, our approach to treating salivary gland cancer is comprehensive, meaning we focus on caring for all of you. Stopping the cancer’s growth is our main goal, but we also ensure your best quality of life – mentally and physically – during cancer treatment.

Symptoms of salivary gland cancer

In more advanced stages of salivary gland cancer, you may feel a lump inside the mouth, cheek, jaw or neck.

Other symptoms include:

• Pain or swelling in the face, chin, jawbone or neck
• Uneven size or shape of the two sides of the face or neck
• Trouble swallowing or opening the mouth widely
• Fluid drainage from the ear
• Numbness or muscle weakness in the face

Causes and prevention

Experts have yet to find the exact causes of salivary gland cancer.

Some risk factors increase the chances of getting the disease, which include:

• Exposure to sawdust, radioactive substances and certain chemicals
• Previous radiation therapy to the head and neck
• Previous viral infections, such as HPV, HIV or Epstein-Barr virus
• Aging
• Male gender

You can control some of these risk factors, such as protecting yourself from harmful chemicals and taking steps to prevent HPV and other infections.

Salivary gland cancer treatment at Goshen Center for Cancer Care

We strive to approach the cancers we treat uniquely. With all cases of salivary gland cancer, we consider the grade and stage of the tumor to create the most effective treatment plan. Surgery, radiation therapy and chemotherapy are all common treatment options.

At Goshen Center for Cancer Care, you can entrust our team to work together to find the best treatment just for you.