Signs of Salivary Gland Cancer

Salivary gland cancer is a rare form of cancer that affects the salivary glands, which produce saliva for digestion, moistening the mouth, and protecting the teeth from bacteria. This form of cancer occurs in the parotid glands, which are the largest salivary glands.

Several factors can contribute to the increased risk of salivary gland tumours, including smoking, a family history of the disease, age, and prior radiation exposure. Although most salivary gland tumours are non-cancerous (benign), it is crucial to address them promptly to prevent potential malignancy.

While salivary gland cancer may initially manifest without noticeable symptoms, there are several signs that one can look out for. These include:

Painless Lump or Swelling on the Jaw, Neck or Mouth
The most common sign of salivary gland cancer is the presence of a painless lump or swelling near the jaw, neck, cheek, lip or inside the mouth. This lump may develop gradually over time, accompanied by a feeling of fullness or pressure around the affected site.

Unexplained Numbness in the Face
Salivary gland cancer can cause unexplained facial numbness or weakness. This numbness may affect a specific area or a larger portion of the face, depending on the tumour’s location and its impact on nearby nerves. You may experience sporadic or persistent discomfort, as well as tingling or burning sensations.

Muscle Weakness on One Side of the Face
When the salivary gland cancer affects the facial nerve, it can lead to muscle weakness or paralysis on one side of the face. This can result in facial asymmetry, difficulty making facial gestures, or drooping of the mouth or eyelid in the affected area.

Persistent Pain Around Salivary Gland
Another sign of salivary gland cancer is persistent pain in the location of the salivary gland. The pain may be dull or sharp and worsen when eating, speaking, or touching the affected area.

Difficulty Swallowing or Opening the Mouth Wide
Salivary gland cancer can cause difficulty swallowing or opening the mouth wide due to tumours pressing on the salivary gland or surrounding structures. Some individuals may also experience speech difficulties and the sensation of a lump or obstruction in their throat.

If your doctor suspects salivary gland cancer, he or she may perform several tests to confirm the diagnosis. These may include a physical exam and imaging tests such as a CT scan, MRI, needle biopsy, and ultrasound scan to help examine a tissue sample obtained from the tumour.

Depending on the stage of the disease and location of the tumour, salivary gland cancer treatment includes surgery to remove cancerous growths. Radiation therapy and chemotherapy may also be used to shrink the tumour or kill the remaining cancer cells after surgery. In most cases, the recovery process takes a few weeks, and most patients can resume normal activities within two weeks of the surgery.