Salivary and Parotid Gland Tumors

There are three sets of major salivary glands located in the floor of the mouth and near the jawbone. The parotid gland is the largest salivary gland and is located in the region of the cheek just in front of the ear. Other major salivary glands include the submandibular and sublingual glands located below the jaw bone and under the tongue, respectively. 

Tumors can develop in all three major salivary glands — most commonly, in the parotid. In addition, there are thousands of minor salivary glands located in the lining of the mouth and throat. While most salivary tumors are benign, some can be malignant and require further work-up.

Risk Factors for Salivary Gland Tumors

• Older age
• Prior radiation therapy to head and neck
• Workplace/environmental exposures
• Certain viruses such as HIV and the Epstein-Barr virus

Symptoms

• A painless lump or swelling near your jaw or in your mouth
• Swollen lymph nodes in the neck
• Muscle weakness of the face
• Trouble opening your mouth or swallowing

Diagnosis

As part of the initial visit, the following tests may be used detect, diagnosis and stage a salivary gland cancer.

• Physical exam: Examining for any abnormalities of the face, neck or mouth
• Imaging: This may include ultrasound, CT scan, MRI and/or a PET scan
• Biopsy: Sampling of tissue to be viewed under a microscope
• Endoscopy: Rarely, endoscopy may be used to see areas difficult to assess on routine exam

Treatment Options

Even though most tumors of the salivary glands are not cancerous, surgical removal may be recommended. Meticulous surgical expertise is needed to avoid nerve damage, especially with parotid gland tumors, since they are often closely entwined with the facial nerve. Our surgeons have advanced training and experience treating even the most complicated cases. 

If the tumor is malignant, most patients will be recommended for surgery and often radiation therapy. Use of chemotherapy is not standard, but is considered on a case-by-case basis. Knowledge of the disease and incorporation of advanced imaging into the radiation therapy planning process allows our team to precisely target areas at risk while limiting side effects. 

As a busy referral center for complex cases, we have the requisite skills and experience necessary to provide patients with optimal cancer outcomes. Because salivary gland tumors often require a patient to see multiple specialists, we provide a cohesive, multidisciplinary team-based approach to treatment.

Treatment Team

We have a collaborative team of highly skilled specialists with experience in treating patients who have salivary gland tumors. Members of your treatment team may include:

• Otolaryngologists, including head and neck oncologic surgeons
• Radiation oncologists
• Medical oncologists
• Oculoplastic, facial and reconstructive surgeons

After-Treatment Care

If needed, a variety of techniques and rehabilitation options help patients recover with excellent functional and cosmetic outcomes. Additionally, patients have access to the complete menu of support resources.