Salivary Gland Cancer Symptoms, Causes, Diagnosis and Treatment Methods

Salivary Gland Cancer

Salivary gland cancer is a condition that many people rarely hear about, but when diagnosed, it can significantly affect the patient's quality of life and must be handled with care. Located around the mouth and neck, these small glands perform many functions in daily life without us even realizing it. Sometimes, a cellular change begins in these vital glands, resulting in the formation of malignant tumors. Salivary gland cancer manifests itself through this silent and often asymptomatic process. If not recognized early, it can progress enough to affect nerves, muscle structure, and surrounding tissues.

What Is Salivary Gland Cancer?

Every human has three main pairs of salivary glands located on both sides of the head, under the jaw, and beneath the tongue. There are also smaller glands located in regions such as the palate, inside the cheeks, and on the lips. These glands work together to produce saliva. Sometimes, cells within these glands that normally multiply in a controlled manner go out of control. This uncontrolled growth eventually turns into a tumor. Some tumors are benign and do not harm the surroundings even if they grow. Although adenoma-type salivary gland tumors are benign, they carry a risk of malignant transformation over time. Others are malignant, can spread to surrounding tissues, affect nerves, and reach life-threatening proportions. This condition is called salivary gland cancer.

What Are the Symptoms of Salivary Gland Cancer?

Early-stage symptoms of salivary gland cancer are usually noticed as a painless, slow-growing mass. The most striking feature of this type of cancer is that it usually begins silently. Patients initially feel only a small swelling or hardness. This mass, which is generally painless, can make swallowing difficult when it grows over time, cause problems opening the mouth, or restrict jaw movements. One of the most concerning symptoms is loss of sensation or muscle weakness on one side of the face; this condition results from the tumor putting pressure on the facial nerve. Sometimes rarer symptoms such as ringing in the ear, a feeling of fullness, or discharge from the ear may also be observed. However, the most important warning sign is a persistent, growing mass developing in the jaw or neck.

How Does Salivary Gland Cancer Occur?

Salivary gland cancer risk factors include exposure to radiation, genetic predisposition, and certain viral infections. Finding the exact cause of salivary gland cancer is not always easy. However, it is known that certain factors can be effective in the emergence of these types of cancer. In particular, radiation treatments applied to the head and neck region in the past can disrupt the DNA structure of cells, leading to cancerous changes over time. In addition, prolonged exposure to chemicals used in certain occupations is among the risk factors. For example, these types of cancer are more common in people engaged in painting, rubber, or metal work. Besides, certain viral infections and smoking habits have also been linked to salivary gland cancer. Of course, not everyone carries these risks, but when some individuals' cell renewal patterns combine with a genetic predisposition, it can pave the way for cancer. At the same time, sublingual salivary gland cancer is rare but is a type of tumor that can progress rapidly. Symptoms of sublingual salivary gland cancer may include a mass in the floor of the mouth, difficulty speaking, and numbness inside the mouth.

How Is Salivary Gland Cancer Diagnosed?

The diagnostic process usually begins with a physician's examination. After listening to the patient's history, the physician checks for the presence of a mass in the relevant area. If there is suspicion, the next step is imaging examinations. Ultrasound is one of the most frequently used methods at this stage; it shows superficial structures well. For the evaluation of deeper structures, computed tomography (CT) or magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) is required. Thanks to these methods, the size, spread, and relationship of the tumor with surrounding tissues can be revealed in detail. A biopsy must be performed for a definitive diagnosis. Fine needle aspiration biopsy (FNAB) is generally preferred. The pathologist examines the obtained cell samples under a microscope to clarify the diagnosis.

How Is Salivary Gland Cancer Treated?

The salivary gland cancer treatment plan is shaped according to the patient's general condition, tumor type, and degree of spread. Salivary gland cancer stages are determined according to the size of the tumor and its state of spread. In most cases, the first option is surgery. Salivary gland cancer surgery is generally performed with the removal of the tumor and, when necessary, nerve-sparing approaches. The cancerous gland is removed through surgery. If necessary, surrounding tissues are also removed. Careful surgery is required, especially in parotid gland tumors, by protecting the facial nerve. If there is a spread to the lymph nodes, the lymph nodes in the neck are also cleared. Another important treatment method complementing surgery is radiotherapy. Especially in cases where tumor margins are not clear and aggressive cellular structures are detected, radiotherapy reduces the risk of cancer recurrence. In some advanced or spread cancers, chemotherapy and targeted therapy methods also come into play. Salivary gland cancer stages are classified according to tumor size, lymph node involvement, and the presence of distant metastasis.

Frequently Asked Questions

Salivary gland cancer usually manifests itself with a hard, painless mass developing under the jaw, in front of the ear, or on the sides of the neck. Minor salivary gland cancer develops in the minor glands inside the mouth and usually progresses insidiously. This mass may tend to grow over time and cause deterioration in facial symmetry. These formations, which are only noticed by touch in the early stages, begin to be seen with symptoms such as discomfort during chewing, limitation in opening the mouth, or numbness in the face as they progress. Some patients may also have a feeling of fullness in the ear or mild pain. Since symptoms can be confused with general health complaints, the diagnosis is only clarified through expert physician evaluation, imaging methods, and biopsy. Salivary gland cancer life expectancy may vary depending on the stage, tumor type, and response to treatment. Whether the tumor is benign or malignant is decisive in terms of vital risk. Low-grade, localized tumors that do not metastasize do not seriously affect life expectancy when treated in the early stage. However, in high-grade, fast-growing types of cancer that spread to surrounding tissues, vital risks arise if not intervened early. Especially when there is a spread to vital nerve structures such as the facial nerve or lymph nodes, the treatment process becomes more complex and long-term. Therefore, every detected mass must be taken seriously and evaluated at the appropriate time. Stage 4 salivary gland cancer is the most advanced stage where the tumor has spread to surrounding tissues and distant metastases are observed. Salivary gland cancer metastasis can spread to distant organs, primarily the neck lymph nodes. Salivary gland cancer lung metastasis can be seen in advanced stages and may require systemic treatment. Initially, lymph nodes in the neck region may be affected. In more advanced cases, spread to distant organs (distant metastasis) such as the lung, liver, or bone can be observed. This risk of spread varies depending on the histological type, size, and location of the tumor. Therefore, as soon as a diagnosis is made, both local and systemic screening is recommended. If spread is detected, treatment planning is expanded accordingly. There is no specific blood test for salivary gland cancer. Blood tests serve as a guide to evaluate general body health, observe organ functions, and assess suitability for treatment. Especially the condition of the liver, kidneys, and blood cells is important prior to surgery or chemotherapy. However, the diagnosis itself relies on biopsy and imaging methods. Therefore, even if no problems are found in blood tests, further examination is required if there is a suspicious condition in physical examination or imaging. Ultrasonography is an effective and fast imaging method in evaluating superficial lesions belonging to the salivary glands. It allows detailed examination of structures close to the skin, especially the parotid and submandibular glands. It provides information about the shape, size, margins, and vascularity characteristics of the tumor. Findings such as irregular borders, heterogeneous internal structure, and abnormal blood flow are generally observed in malignant tumors. Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) is preferred for tumors where all details cannot be clearly seen, which are deeply seated or close to bones. The majority of salivary gland tumors are initially painless. This situation can also cause a delay in diagnosis. However, when the growing mass begins to press on the nerve structures around it over time, pain, tingling, or a burning sensation may develop. In addition, when the tumor blocks the salivary duct, saliva flow is impaired, and pain may be felt along with increased pressure during eating or chewing. Pain also becomes prominent in cases accompanied by inflammation. When a painful swelling or facial numbness is noticed, it is important to consult a specialist without wasting time. The majority of salivary gland tumors are initially painless. This situation can also cause a delay in diagnosis. However, when the growing mass begins to press on the nerve structures around it over time, pain, tingling, or a burning sensation may develop. In addition, when the tumor blocks the salivary duct, saliva flow is impaired, and pain may be felt along with increased pressure during eating or chewing. Pain also becomes prominent in cases accompanied by inflammation. When a painful swelling or facial numbness is noticed, it is important to consult a specialist without wasting time.

Although salivary gland cancer is a rare disease, when not diagnosed early, it can lead to serious consequences both functionally and aesthetically. Often progressing silently, these tumors manifest themselves with a hardness or a growing mass noticed especially under the jaw or in front of the ear. The fact that symptoms look innocent can cause a delay in diagnosis; whereas a detailed evaluation to be made in the early period significantly increases treatment success. Today, thanks to developments in the fields of surgery and radiotherapy, very successful results are achieved in the treatment of this disease. As Hisar Hospital, with our specialist physicians in Otorhinolaryngology and our multidisciplinary approach, we apply the most up-to-date methods in the diagnosis and treatment of salivary gland cancer, aiming both to prolong life expectancy and preserve the quality of life. When you notice a suspicious symptom, making an appointment with our specialists without wasting time will be a vital step for your health.