Overview
Diagnosis
Diagnosis of a salivary gland tumor often begins with a physical examination. A healthcare professional assesses the jaw, neck, and throat to check for lumps, swelling, or changes in the salivary glands. If anything unusual is found, imaging tests and a biopsy may be used to determine the tumor’s location and the type of cells involved.
A physical exam helps identify visible or palpable abnormalities. Imaging tests can show the size and position of the tumor. These may include MRI, CT, and PET scans. Each test offers different details, and your healthcare professional will determine which option is best for your situation.
A biopsy is a key step in diagnosing salivary gland tumors. A fine-needle aspiration or core needle biopsy may be used to collect a tissue sample. A thin needle is inserted into the gland to remove cells, which are then examined in a lab to determine whether the cells are cancerous.
If salivary gland cancer is diagnosed, additional tests may be needed to determine whether it has spread. This process helps identify the stage of the cancer. Staging often involves imaging tests to check the lymph nodes and other parts of the body. These tests help guide treatment planning.
Cancer staging ranges from stage 0 to stage 4. Early stages indicate a small tumor located only within the gland. Higher stages show deeper growth into surrounding tissues or spread to lymph nodes or distant organs. Not all imaging tests are required for every person, so your healthcare professional will recommend the most appropriate options.
Treatment
Treatment for salivary gland tumors depends on whether the tumor is benign or cancerous. Surgery is the most common approach for both types. Additional treatments such as radiation therapy, chemotherapy, targeted therapy, or immunotherapy may be recommended for salivary gland cancers.
Surgery may involve removing only part of the salivary gland when the tumor is small and accessible. Larger tumors may require removal of the entire gland. If the tumor grows into nearby structures, those tissues may need to be removed as well. This could involve the facial nerves, salivary ducts, facial bones, or skin.
If cancer has a risk of spreading to the lymph nodes, the surgeon may remove lymph nodes from the neck for testing. After tumor removal, reconstructive surgery may be needed to restore appearance and function. This may include replacing bone, skin, tissue, or nerves. Reconstruction helps improve chewing, swallowing, speaking, breathing, and facial movement.
Surgery can be challenging because important nerves run through the salivary glands. The facial nerve, which controls facial movement, passes through the parotid gland. In some cases, the nerve may be stretched during surgery, causing temporary weakness. Rarely, it must be cut to remove the entire tumor. Surgeons can repair the nerve using grafts or other methods.
Radiation therapy may be recommended after surgery to destroy remaining cancer cells. It may also be used when surgery is not possible, especially if the tumor is large or located in a difficult area. External beam radiation is the most common approach and targets precise areas of the body.
Chemotherapy uses strong medicines to treat cancer, but it is not a standard treatment for salivary gland cancer at this time. It may be used for advanced disease and is sometimes combined with radiation.
Targeted therapy focuses on specific molecules in cancer cells. These treatments may be used for cancers that cannot be removed or for cancer that has spread. They work best when cancer cells have predictable DNA changes, so testing may be done before treatment begins.
Immunotherapy helps the immune system recognize and destroy cancer cells. It may be used for advanced or recurrent salivary gland cancers or for tumors that cannot be removed surgically.
Palliative care offers support for people living with serious illnesses. This type of care focuses on relieving symptoms, improving comfort, and supporting emotional and physical well-being. It can be provided alongside cancer treatments such as surgery, radiation, or chemotherapy. Palliative care can help improve quality of life and may help people live longer while receiving treatment.
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