Salivary Gland Tumors
What is Salivary Gland Tumors?
Salivary gland tumors are abnormal growths that develop in the glands that produce saliva. Your salivary glands are located in and around your mouth and throat. They make saliva, which helps you chew, swallow, and digest food. The largest glands are the parotid glands in front of your ears, the submandibular glands under your jaw, and the sublingual glands under your tongue.
Most salivary gland tumors are benign, meaning they are not cancerous. About 70 to 80 percent of these tumors are noncancerous and do not spread to other parts of the body. However, some salivary gland tumors are malignant, or cancerous. These growths can invade nearby tissues and may spread if not treated. The tumors can range from very small to several centimeters in size.
When tumors block the ducts that carry saliva or affect gland function, they can cause changes in certain enzymes in your blood. One enzyme called amylase may become elevated when salivary glands are affected. Blood tests can help detect these changes and monitor the condition over time.
Symptoms
- A lump or swelling in your jaw, neck, mouth, or near your ear
- Numbness or weakness in part of your face
- Pain in your face, jaw, or neck that does not go away
- Difficulty swallowing or opening your mouth wide
- Fluid draining from your ear
- Trouble moving one side of your face
- Persistent pain in the area of a salivary gland
Many people with benign salivary gland tumors have no symptoms except a painless lump. Some small tumors may not cause any noticeable symptoms and are found during routine dental or medical exams. Symptoms that include pain, rapid growth, or facial nerve involvement may suggest a malignant tumor.
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Causes and risk factors
The exact cause of most salivary gland tumors is not fully understood. Genetic mutations in salivary gland cells can cause them to grow abnormally and form tumors. These mutations may happen randomly or be influenced by environmental factors. Exposure to radiation, especially to the head and neck area during childhood, increases the risk of developing salivary gland tumors later in life. Occupational exposure to certain substances like rubber manufacturing materials, asbestos, and some types of dust may also raise your risk.
Age is a risk factor, as these tumors are more common in older adults, typically those over 50. Men and women can both develop salivary gland tumors, though certain types are slightly more common in one gender. Previous radiation therapy for other cancers increases risk. A family history of cancer may play a role in some cases. Lifestyle factors like smoking have not been strongly linked to salivary gland tumors, unlike many other head and neck cancers.
How it's diagnosed
Diagnosis of salivary gland tumors typically begins with a physical exam where your doctor feels for lumps in your neck, jaw, and mouth. Imaging tests like ultrasound, CT scans, or MRI help determine the size, location, and characteristics of the tumor. A fine needle aspiration biopsy is often performed to collect cells from the lump and examine them under a microscope. This helps determine if the tumor is benign or malignant.
Blood tests can provide additional information about how the tumor is affecting your body. An elevated serum amylase level may indicate that the tumor is blocking salivary ducts or affecting enzyme production. Rite Aid offers amylase testing as an add-on to help monitor salivary gland health. Testing at Quest Diagnostics locations makes it easy to track changes over time. Your doctor may also order other specialized tests based on your specific situation and symptoms.
Treatment options
- Surgery to remove the tumor is the most common treatment for both benign and malignant salivary gland tumors
- Radiation therapy may be used after surgery for malignant tumors or when surgery is not possible
- Chemotherapy is sometimes combined with radiation for advanced or aggressive cancers
- Regular monitoring with imaging and blood tests to watch for recurrence or changes
- Pain management with medications if the tumor causes discomfort
- Physical therapy for facial muscle function if nerves are affected during treatment
- Nutritional support and dietary modifications if swallowing is difficult
- Follow-up care with specialists including surgeons, oncologists, and ear, nose, and throat doctors
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Frequently asked questions
The first sign is usually a painless lump or swelling in your jaw, neck, or mouth area. You might notice it near your ear, under your jaw, or in your mouth. Most benign tumors grow slowly over months or years. If the lump grows quickly, causes pain, or creates facial weakness, see a doctor right away.
No, most salivary gland tumors are benign, meaning they are not cancerous. About 70 to 80 percent of these tumors are noncancerous. However, every lump should be evaluated by a doctor to determine its nature. Only a biopsy and medical examination can tell if a tumor is benign or malignant.
Blood tests can measure enzyme levels like serum amylase that may become elevated when tumors affect salivary gland function. When tumors block the ducts that carry saliva or affect enzyme production, amylase levels in the blood may rise. Regular testing helps monitor changes over time and track how the condition responds to treatment.
Salivary gland tumors do not typically disappear without treatment. Even benign tumors usually continue to grow slowly over time. Surgery is the most common and effective treatment for removing these tumors. If you notice a lump in your salivary gland area, see a doctor for proper evaluation and treatment recommendations.
A salivary stone is a calcium deposit that blocks the duct carrying saliva, causing pain and swelling that comes and goes, especially when eating. A salivary gland tumor is an abnormal growth of cells that usually causes a persistent lump. Stones often resolve with conservative treatment, while tumors typically require surgery. Your doctor can use imaging tests to distinguish between the two.
Testing frequency depends on your specific situation and treatment plan. After diagnosis, your doctor may recommend regular blood tests and imaging every few months. Following treatment for a malignant tumor, monitoring may continue for several years to watch for recurrence. Your healthcare team will create a personalized follow-up schedule based on the type and grade of your tumor.
Elevated serum amylase can also result from pancreas conditions like pancreatitis, mumps, kidney disease, or salivary gland infections. Certain medications, alcohol use, and ectopic pregnancy can raise amylase levels too. This is why your doctor will use amylase results along with other tests and symptoms to make an accurate diagnosis.
There are no proven lifestyle changes that prevent salivary gland tumors since their exact cause is not fully understood. Avoiding unnecessary radiation exposure to the head and neck may reduce risk. Limiting occupational exposure to certain chemicals and dusts may also help. Regular dental and medical checkups can help detect tumors early when they are most treatable.
Surgery is usually recommended even for benign tumors because they can continue to grow and cause complications. Removing the tumor prevents future problems like nerve damage, infection, or difficulty swallowing. The surgery typically involves removing the tumor along with part or all of the affected salivary gland. Your surgeon will discuss the specific procedure based on the tumor location and size.
Untreated malignant salivary gland tumors can grow larger and invade nearby structures like nerves, bones, and blood vessels. They may spread to lymph nodes in the neck and eventually to distant organs like the lungs or bones. Early treatment significantly improves outcomes and reduces the risk of complications. If you suspect a tumor, seek medical evaluation promptly.