Salivary Gland Cancer

 

Salivary gland cancer is among very rare cancers in which malignant (cancer) cells or tumors are formed and placed in the tissues of the salivary glands.

Different risk factors like being exposed to certain types of radiation will increase the possibility of salivary cancer.

Various signs of salivary gland cancer are a lump or trouble swallowing.

Different examinations that examine the head, neck and the inside of the mouth areas are utilized for diagnosing salivary gland cancer

The salivary glands are special releasing glands that function for producing saliva and then release it to the mouth. Saliva helps protect the mouth and throat against infections by having specific enzymes. You have three pairs of salivary glands including:

1- Parotid glands: parotids are the largest glands and are placed in front of and below your ears. The tumors of parotid glands are the most major type.

2- Sublingual glands: These glands are located under your tongue and the floor of your mouth.

3- Submandibular glands: These glands are placed below each person's jawbone.

Although there are three pairs of major salivary glands, you can find out hundreds of minor salivary glands which line different locations of the mouth, nose, and larynx. They can't be seen without a microscope. Research proved that most of the tumors are placed at the roof of the mouth and they are mostly benign and not cancerous. As it was explained they are benign so they can not be spread to other tissues. In classifications of cancers, salivary gland cancer is sorted into a type of head and neck cancer. However the cause of most salivary gland cancers is not found, risk factors include the following:

1. Older age

2. Treatment with radiation therapy to the head and neck

3. certain metals, such as nickel alloy dust

4. certain minerals, including silica dust

5. asbestos mining

6. plumbing equipment

7. rubber manufacturing

8. certain types of woodworking

In most cases, salivary gland cancer does not cause any specific symptoms for easier diagnosis. It will be found out among imaging in a regular dental check-up or physical examinations. Signs and symptoms will be caused by salivary gland cancer or by other conditions. Check with your doctor if you have each of the following conditions:

1. A lump which is usually painless, in the area of the ear, cheek, jaw, lip, or inside the mouth

2. Fluid draining from the ear

3. Trouble during swallowing or opening the mouth widely

4. Numbness or weakness in the face

5. Pain in the face that does not go away

Tests that examine the head, neck, and the inside of the mouth are utilized for diagnosing salivary gland cancer :

1. Physical exam and health history

2. MRI (magnetic resonance imaging)

3. CT scan (CAT scan)

4. PET scan (positron emission tomography scan)

5. Endoscopy

6. Incisional biopsy

7. Fine needle aspiration biopsy

 Prognosis depends on the following:

1. The stage of cancer (especially the size of the tumor)

2. The type of salivary gland the cancer is in

3. The type of cancer cells (how they look under a microscope)

4. The patient's age and general health

 These are stages used for salivary gland cancers that affect the parotid, submandibular, and sublingual glands:

Stage 0 (carcinoma in situ)

Stage I

Stage II

Stage III

Stage IV

Minor salivary glands are staged differently from the parotid, submandibular, and sublingual glands. These stages are based on the size of the tumors and spreading in different sites of the body.

There are three types of standard treatments are utilized:

1. Surgery

2. Radiation therapy

3. Chemotherapy