Salivary Gland Cancer

Definition

Salivary Gland Cancer or salivary gland cancer is cancer that begins in the salivary glands. This cancer can occur anywhere in the salivary glands, as in the mouth, neck or throat.

Salivary glands produce saliva, which helps digestion and keep the mouth clean. There are three major ludar glands under and behind the jaw - parotid, sublingual and submandibular. As well as some minor salivary glands in the lips, behind the cheeks and inside the mouth and throat.

Salivary gland cancer is most common in the parotid gland in front of the ear area. Treatment for salivary gland cancer may include surgery or radiation therapy is and chemotherapy.

SYMPTOMS

Signs and symptoms of salivary gland cancer include:

• lump or swelling in the jaw, neck or mouth

• Stiffness in the face

• Muscle weakness on one side of the face

• Pain in the area of ​​salivary gland

• Difficulty swallowing

• Difficult to open mouth wide

Causes & Risk Factors

Cause

It is unclear what causes salivary gland cancer. Doctors believe the cancer occurs when there is a genetic mutation in salivary gland cells that cause it continues to grow and multiply themselves when normal cells should die. Accumulation of these cells then form a tumor and can spread to other body areas.

Many types of salivary gland cancer include:

• Acinic cell carcinoma

• Adenocarcinoma

• adenoid cystic carcinoma

• Clear cell carcinoma

• Malignant mixed tumor

• Mucoepidermoid carcinoma

• Oncocytic carcinoma

• Polymorphous low-grade adenocarcinoma

• salivary duct carcinoma

• Squamous cell carcinoma

Risk factors

Factors that may increase the risk of salivary gland cancer include:

• Although the salivary gland cancer can occur at any age, but many cases occur in the elderly
• Exposure to radiation used to treat head and neck cancer • Working in an environment contaminated with certain substances, such as nickel and silica dust.