Salivary gland cancer is a rare type of head and neck cancer.
What the salivary glands do
The salivary glands make saliva, or spit, and release it into the mouth through openings called ducts. Saliva:
- moistens food, which helps you chew and swallow;
- helps you digest it;
- cleans the mouth;
- carries antibodies that can kill germs.
Signs
It may cause no symptoms at all. When it does, you might notice:
- a lump in the ear, cheek, jaw or lip, or inside the mouth;
- fluid draining from the ear;
- trouble swallowing or opening the mouth wide;
- numbness, weakness or pain in the face.
Diagnosis and treatment
Doctors diagnose it with a physical exam, imaging tests and a biopsy. Treatment can include surgery, radiation therapy, chemotherapy, or a combination.
Sources
- MedlinePlus, U.S. National Library of Medicine, "Salivary Gland Cancer," from the NIH National Cancer Institute. https://medlineplus.gov/salivaryglandcancer.html
- Rewritten in hubnx's own words.
Licence: CC0 1.0 (public domain) · Adapted from medlineplus.gov
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