Salivary Gland Tumors

Abnormal growth of cells in the salivary gland

Overview

Salivary glands produce saliva which helps in digesting food and keeping the mouth moist. They are found inside our mouth, cheeks, and lips. Salivary gland tumors are abnormal cells that grow in the salivary gland. They can be both cancerous and noncancerous. Surgery is required for the removal of such tumors.

Symptoms

The most common symptoms of salivary gland tumors are:

Pain in Salivary Gland Area

Swelling of Salivary Glands

Difficulty Swallowing

Difficulty Moving Face or Opening Mouth

Causes

Salivary gland tumors can be caused due to:

Diagnosis

Other than the regular physical checkup a doctor may advise one or more than of the following tests to determine the best treatment. Tests can include:

Ultrasound

MRI

CT Scan

Biopsy

When to See a Doctor

Make an appointment right away if any worrisome symptoms appear.

Treatment

Treatment for salivary gland tumors will depend on its stage, location, and patient’s overall health. Usually, surgery is the mainstay of the treatment. If the tumors are small and easily located, they will be removed along with a piece of surrounding tissue.

However, if the tumors have increased in size, removal of the entire salivary gland will be necessary to prevent cancer from spreading any further. In some cases, facial nerves and lymph nodes are also removed as they too have become cancerous. After that, reconstructive surgery will be required to repair the damaged area.

Risks, Complications & Preventions

It is not possible to eliminate the risk of developing salivary gland tumors completely. However, it can be prevented by avoiding excessive smoking, drinking, maintaining a healthy weight, and including lots of fresh fruits and vegetables in your diet.