Salivary Gland Tumors – Symptoms and Causes
Overview
Salivary gland tumors develop in the glands that produce saliva. These tumors are uncommon. Saliva plays important roles in the body by helping with digestion, maintaining mouth moisture, and supporting dental health.
The body contains three pairs of major salivary glands located under and behind the jaw:
- Parotid Glands
- Sublingual Glands
- Submandibular Glands
Additionally, numerous smaller salivary glands exist throughout the mouth, lips, cheeks, and throat.
These tumors can form in any salivary gland, though they most frequently appear in the parotid glands. Most parotid tumors (about 80%) are non-cancerous or benign.
This means that only one out of every five tumors found in the parotid gland is typically cancerous.
Surgery to remove the tumor is the standard treatment approach. For cases involving cancerous salivary gland tumors, doctors may recommend additional treatments beyond surgery.
Types
Parotid tumors come in various forms. Most parotid gland tumors are benign (non-cancerous), but some can be malignant (cancerous).
Common benign parotid tumors include:
- Pleomorphic adenomas
- Warthin tumors
- Oncocytomas
Malignant parotid tumors include:
- Mucoepidermoid carcinoma
- Adenoid cystic carcinoma
- Acinic cell carcinoma
Signs to Watch For
Signs of a salivary gland tumor include:
- A bump or swelling near the jaw, neck, or mouth
- Weakness in facial muscles on one side
- Parts of the face feeling numb
- Lasting pain around a salivary gland
- Problems opening your mouth wide
- Difficulty swallowing
When You Should Talk To a Healthcare Provider
If you notice any of these symptoms, make an appointment with your doctor. It’s better to check unusual signs early, even if they seem minor at first.
Why Salivary Gland Tumors Develop
The exact cause of many salivary gland tumors remains unknown. Research has identified some risk factors, like smoking and previous radiation therapy for cancer.
However, many people who get these tumors don’t have these risk factors. Scientists continue to study what triggers these growths.
At the cellular level, salivary gland tumors begin when cells in the salivary glands develop DNA changes. Normal cells follow DNA instructions that control growth, multiplication, and death.
But in tumor cells, DNA changes disrupt these processes. These altered cells multiply too quickly and don’t die when they should. This leads to a buildup of excess cells.
In some cases, DNA changes transform normal cells into cancer cells. These cancer cells can invade nearby tissues and eventually may spread to other body parts. Doctors call this process metastasis.
Different Kinds of Salivary Tumors
Doctors classify salivary gland tumors based on the specific cell types involved. This classification helps healthcare teams develop appropriate treatment plans.
Non-cancerous salivary tumors include:
- Pleomorphic Adenoma
- Basal Cell Adenoma
- Canalicular Adenoma
- Oncocytoma
- Warthin Tumor
Cancerous salivary tumors include:
| Tumor Type | Key Features |
|---|---|
| Acinic Cell Carcinoma | Develops from cells that make digestive enzymes |
| Adenocarcinoma | Forms in gland cells that produce mucus |
| Adenoid Cystic Carcinoma | Slow-growing but can spread along nerves |
| Mucoepidermoid Carcinoma | Most common salivary gland cancer |
| Salivary Duct Carcinoma | Aggressive cancer with poor outlook |
Risk Factors
Several factors may raise your chance of developing salivary gland tumors:
- Age: These tumors occur most frequently in older adults. However, they can develop at any age.
- Radiation Exposure: People who have received radiation therapy for head and neck cancers may face higher risks.
- Tobacco Use: Smoking has been linked to an increased risk of developing these tumors.
- Viral Infections: Having certain viral infections might increase risk. These include the Epstein-Barr virus, human immunodeficiency virus, and human papillomavirus.
- Workplace Exposures: Some occupational environments may increase risk, particularly those in rubber manufacturing industries and places with nickel exposure.
These risk factors don’t mean you will definitely develop a salivary gland tumor, but they may increase your chances compared to people without these factors.
