Salivary gland tumors are abnormal cell growth in the ducts that drain the salivary glands.

Alternative Names

Tumor - salivary duct; Salivary duct tumor

Causes, incidence, and risk factors

The salivary glands are located around the mouth. They produce saliva, which moistens food to aid chewing and swallowing. Saliva contains proteins (enzymes) that begin the digestion process. Saliva also aids in cleansing of the mouth by washing away bacteria and food particles. Saliva keeps the mouth moist and helps to keep dentures or orthodontic appliances (such as retainers) in place. There are 3 pairs of major salivary glands. The largest are the parotid glands, located in each cheek over the angle of 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 most commonly occurs in response to salivary gland infections , salivary duct stones , and conditions elsewhere in the body such as hepatic (liver) cirrhosis , sarcoidosis , abdominal surgery, other neoplasm s ( cancer ), and infections in the body. The most common type of salivary duct tumor is a slow-growing tumor of the parotid gland, caused by an abnormal rate of cell growth. It is usually a benign and self-contained growth that gradually increases the size of the gland. It occasionally can be malignant (cancerous). Malignant salivary gland tumors are usually carcinomas .

Signs and tests

An examination by a health care provider or dentist shows an larger than normal salivary gland, usually one of the parotid glands. It is painless and causes no other symptoms. X-rays of the salivary gland (called a ptyalogram or sialogram ) confirm the presence of a tumor. CT scanning usually also shows a mass in the gland and is helpful to determine if the cancer has spread to lymph nodes in the neck. A salivary gland biopsy or examination of tissue from removed glands will determine if the tumor is benign or malignant.

Treatment

The goal of treatment is removal of the tumor. Surgical removal of the affected salivary gland is the recommended treatment. If the tumor is benign , no other treatment is usually recommended. Radiation therapy and/or extensive surgery may be required if the tumor is malignant.

Expectations (prognosis)

Most salivary duct tumors are benign and slow growing. Surgical excision is curative. In rare cases, the tumor is malignant (cancerous) and more extensive treatment is required.

Complications

Malignant changes ( cancer ) are possible complications. Rarely, surgery to remove the tumor can injure the facial nerve. This nerve controls movement of the face on that side.

Calling your health care provider

Call your health care provider if a lump is noticed in the mouth, under the jaw, or in the neck that does not go away in 2-3 weeks or is getting larger.