Salivary Gland Cancer

Salivary gland cancer is a type of head and neck cancer that affects the glands that produce saliva, which are found in the floor of the mouth near the jawbone.

Factors that may increase the risk of developing salivary gland cancer

Radiation to the head or neck (for cancerous or non-cancerous conditions).
Infection with Epstein-Barr virus (EBV).

Having one or more of these risk factors does not mean that a person will definitely get salivary gland cancer.

Symptoms of salivary gland cancer

Unusual pain in the face, chin or neck.
Swelling under the chin or around the jaw.
Numbness in facial muscles.
Trouble swallowing.

Diagnosis of salivary gland cancer

MRI scan of the head and neck.
PET scan.
CT scan for a complete image of the head and neck.
Biopsy of any fluid or tissue to be examined closely under a microscope.
Chest x-ray to detect spread of the tumor to the lungs.
X-ray of the head and neck.

Treatment of salivary gland cancer at KHCC

Treatment depends on many factors, such as the patient’s age, the stage of the disease, and the size of the tumor, but typically includes surgery, radiotherapy and chemotherapy. Some treatment procedures may result in temporary voice loss.

Primary voice restoration: In some treatment procedures for head and neck cancers, patients will experience temporary voice loss, except for total laryngectomies as most lose their voice permanently. However, head and neck physicians at KHCC are the best in the region at performing a procedure known as Primary Voice Restoration and up to 90% of our patients recover their voice successfully.