What is salivary gland cancer?
Cancerous growths that form in the tissues of the salivary glands are referred to as salivary gland cancer, sometimes known as salivary gland neoplasms or salivary gland tumours. Saliva is produced by the salivary glands and aids in chewing, swallowing, and digestion.
There are various kinds of salivary glands in the body, but the major salivary glands—the parotid glands, which are in front of the ears, the submandibular glands, which are under the jaw, and the sublingual glands, which are under the tongue—are the most frequently affected by salivary gland cancer.
Any type of cell found in the salivary glands, such as glandular cells, ductal cells, and myoepithelial cells, can lead to salivary gland cancer.
What are salivary glands?
The salivary glands are a collection of glands that are found in and around the mouth. They secrete saliva, which is a vital fluid for oral health and digestion. Saliva provides enzymes that start the breakdown of carbohydrates in the mouth and help moisten food, making it easier to chew and swallow.
The mouth cavity contains a large number of minor salivary glands as well as three pairs of major salivary glands:
- Parotid glands: The largest salivary glands are called parotid glands, and they are situated in front of each ear and somewhat below it, reaching into the top portion of the cheeks. The majority of the saliva in the mouth is produced by them and is known as serous saliva, which is thin and watery. The facial nerve passes through the lips.
- Submandibular Glands: On either side of the neck, just below the lower jawbone, are the submandibular glands. Their saliva is a mixture of mucous and serous, and it is thicker than saliva secreted by the parotid glands. The submandibular glands are important for swallowing and for producing saliva when at rest.
- Sublingual Glands: On either side of the tongue, just below the floor of the mouth, are the sublingual glands. The mucous saliva produced by these glands is thicker and more viscous than the saliva produced by the parotid glands. They are the smallest of the primary salivary glands. Saliva is continuously secreted by the sublingual glands, which aid in maintaining oral moisture.
- Numerous minor salivary glands are dispersed throughout the oral cavity, including the lips, cheeks, palate, and tongue, in addition to the major salivary glands. These little salivary glands aid in digesting and general mouth lubrication by secreting smaller amounts of saliva.
- All things considered, the salivary glands are essential for preserving dental health and promoting digestion.
Causes of salivary gland cancer
- Age: Although salivary gland cancer can strike anyone at any age, older persons are more likely to get it, and the risk rises with age.
- Gender: The risk of salivary gland cancer is slightly higher in men than in women.
- Radiation Exposure: Salivary gland cancer risk may be increased by prior radiation exposure, either from occupational exposure or medical treatment (e.g., radiation therapy for head and neck cancers).
- Tobacco Use: Using smokeless tobacco products or smoking cigarettes is known to increase the chance of developing a number of malignancies, including salivary gland cancer.
- Alcohol Use: Excessive alcohol use, especially when mixed with tobacco use, may raise the risk of salivary gland cancer.
- Exposure to Specific Chemicals: The risk of salivary gland cancer may increase if one is exposed at work to specific chemicals, such as asbestos or nickel dust.
Symptoms of salivary gland cancer
Painless lump or swelling: A lump or swelling that may or may not cause pain in the jaw, neck, or mouth region.
Face numbness or weakness: This refers to facial numbness or weakness, especially on the afflicted side.
Inability to swallow: Pain or difficulty swallowing, especially with solid foods.
Chronic discomfort: Chronic discomfort In the lips, face, or ears that does not go away after therapy is referred to as facial pain or earache.
Modifications in facial sensation: Modifications in tongue or mouth taste or sensation.
Problems opening the mouth: Having trouble opening the mouth completely (trismus).
Hardness or hoarseness speaking: Modifications to the voice or trouble pronouncing words.
Painful throat: Chronic or persistent painful throat that does not get better with time or medication.
Tests for salivary gland cancer
Physical assessment: A comprehensive physical examination to check for tumours, edoema, or other anomalies in the head, neck, and oral cavity.
Imaging studies: Imaging tests can be performed to see the tumour, evaluate its size and location, and find out if it has spread to surrounding tissues or lymph nodes. Examples of these tests are ultrasonography, CT, MRI, and PET scans.
Biopsy: A biopsy is the process of taking a little sample of tissue for microscopic inspection from the suspected tumour or damaged area. This aids in confirming the cancer diagnosis and identifying the tumour’s kind and grade.
Treatment for salivary gland cancer: The type, stage, and location of the cancer, in addition to the patient’s preferences and general health, all influence the treatment option. Each patient will have a customised treatment plan created by a multidisciplinary team of medical professionals, including surgeons, radiation oncologists, medical oncologists, and other specialists. Patients with salivary gland cancer have the highest chance of a favourable result if they receive early detection and timely treatment.
Surgery: The main course of treatment for early-stage salivary gland cancer may involve surgically removing the tumour and any afflicted tissues, including any adjacent lymph nodes. Parotidectomy and submandibular gland excision are two surgical procedures that may entail the partial or complete removal of the afflicted gland, depending on the location and degree of the tumour.
Radiation therapy: To eradicate cancer cells and lower the chance of recurrence, radiation therapy can be performed either alone or in conjunction with surgery. For salivary gland cancer in both the early and advanced stages, it might be advised.
Chemotherapy: Chemotherapy employs medications to either stop or destroy cancer cells. For severe or advanced salivary gland cancer, it may be used in conjunction with radiation therapy (chemoradiotherapy).
Treatment for salivary gland cancer
The type, stage, and location of the cancer, in addition to the patient’s preferences and general health, all influence the treatment option. Each patient will have a customised treatment plan created by a multidisciplinary team of medical professionals, including surgeons, radiation oncologists, medical oncologists, and other specialists. Patients with salivary gland cancer have the highest chance of a favourable result if they receive early detection and timely treatment.
Surgery: The main course of treatment for early-stage salivary gland cancer may involve surgically removing the tumour and any afflicted tissues, including any adjacent lymph nodes. Parotidectomy and submandibular gland excision are two surgical procedures that may entail the partial or complete removal of the afflicted gland, depending on the location and degree of the tumour.
Radiation therapy: To eradicate cancer cells and lower the chance of recurrence, radiation therapy can be performed either alone or in conjunction with surgery. For salivary gland cancer in both the early and advanced stages, it might be advised.
Chemotherapy: Chemotherapy employs medications to either stop or destroy cancer cells. For severe or advanced salivary gland cancer, it may be used in conjunction with radiation therapy (chemoradiotherapy).