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Salivary gland tumors

Contents of this page:

Illustrations

Head and neck glands
Head and neck glands

Alternative Names    Return to top

Tumor - salivary duct

Definition    Return to top

Salivary gland tumors are abnormal cells growing in the ducts that drain the salivary glands.

Causes    Return to top

The salivary glands are located around the mouth. They produce saliva, which moistens food to aid chewing and swallowing.

Saliva contains enzymes that begin the digestion process, and help cleanse the mouth by washing away bacteria and food particles. By keeping the mouth moist, saliva helps to keep dentures, retainers, or other orthodontic appliances in place.

There are three pairs of major salivary glands. The largest are the parotid glands, located in each cheek over the jaw in front of the ears. Two submandibular glands are at the back of the mouth on both sides of the jaw. Two sublingual glands are under the floor of the mouth.

All of the salivary glands empty saliva into the mouth through ducts that open at various locations in the mouth.

Salivary gland tumors are rare, especially in children. Swelling of the salivary glands is most commonly due to:

The most common type of salivary duct tumor is a slow-growing tumor of the parotid gland. This is usually a noncancerous growth that gradually increases the size of the gland. However, some of these tumors can be cancerous (malignant).

Malignant salivary gland tumors are usually carcinomas.

Symptoms    Return to top

Exams and Tests    Return to top

An examination by a health care provider or dentist shows a larger than normal salivary gland, usually one of the parotid glands.

Tests may include:

Treatment    Return to top

The recommended treatment is usually surgery to remove the affected salivary gland. If the tumor is noncancerous (benign), no other treatment is usually needed. Surgery on the parotid gland usually helps maintain the function of the nerve that controls the muscles of the face.

Radiation therapy or extensive surgery may be required if the tumor is cancerous. Chemotherapy is sometimes used in patients who are considered high risk, or when the disease has spread beyond the salivary glands.

Outlook (Prognosis)    Return to top

Most salivary duct tumors are noncancerous (benign) and slow growing. Removing the tumor by surgery usually cures the condition. In rare cases, the tumor is cancerous (malignant) and more extensive treatment is required.

Possible Complications    Return to top

When to Contact a Medical Professional    Return to top

Call your health care provider if:

References    Return to top

Scianna JM, Petruzzelli GJ. Contemporary management of tumors of the salivary glands. Curr Oncol Rep. 2007;9:134-138.

Update Date: 3/24/2008

Updated by: Stephen Grund, MD, PhD, Chief of Hematology/Oncology and Director of the George Bray Cancer Center at New Britain General Hospital, New Britain, CT. Review provided by VeriMed Healthcare Network. Also reviewed by David Zieve, MD, MHA, Medical Director, A.D.A.M., Inc.

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