Information About Salivary Gland Tumors

We Have to Know about the Salivary gland tumors

• Salivary gland tumors are abnormal cells growing in the ducts that drain the salivary glands located in the mouth, neck or throat.
• The cause of salivary gland cancer is not clear, although exposure to radiation, use of tobacco and a family history of salivary gland cancer may increase the risk.

Causes of Salivary gland tumors

• The exact cause of salivary gland cancer isn’t known.
• In some cases, cancer may develop due to DNA damage, and also after years of tobacco use or exposure to radiation.
• Heredity also may play a role in the development of salivary gland cancer.

Do’s and Don’ts of Salivary gland tumors

These steps can help prevent salivary gland cancer or its progression:

• Avoid or limit exposure to radiation, when possible
• Avoid using tobacco and other known cancer-causing substances (carcinogens)
• Eat a nutrient-rich diet that includes more than five servings of fruits and vegetables daily, and limit your intake of animal fat
• Check your mouth and jaw periodically for lumps or bumps
• If you notice a lump, don’t ignore it. See a doctor or dentist

Signs & Symptoms of Salivary gland tumors

• A lump, mass or swelling on or near jaw or in neck or mouth (Salivary gland cancer is often painless in its early stages)
• Numbness in part of the face
• Muscle weakness on one side of the face
• Persistent pain in the area of a salivary gland
• Difficulty swallowing
• Trouble opening mouth widely

Risk Factors of Salivary gland tumors

• Heavily Tobacco use
• Radiation exposure
• Family history
• Eating large amounts of animal fats and low quantities of vegetables
• People older than 60 are more likely to develop salivary gland cancer

Medical advice for Salivary gland tumors

• A lump or swelling in face, neck or mouth
• Numbness in part of the face
• Muscle weakness on one side of a face
• Persistent pain in the area of a salivary gland (in front of the ears, under the chin, or the floor of the mouth)

Self Care for Salivary gland tumors

• A diagnosis of cancer can be extremely challenging, eating well, relaxing and getting enough rest can help combat the stress and fatigue of cancer

Treatment for Salivary gland tumors

• Surgery
• Radiation therapy

Investigations for Salivary gland tumors

• CT Scan, MRI Scan, and Biopsy.