Salivary Glands Cancer

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Salivary Glands(Parotid, Submandibular, Sublingual) Cancer

What is Salivary Glands Cancer?

Salivary glands produce saliva, which keeps the mouth moist and helps the body with digestion.

The mouth contains many salivary glands, some major and some minor. Salivary gland cancer occurs when one of these glands develops a cancerous tumor. There are 450-750 microscopic minor salivary glands all around the mouth. Locations include: the sinuses, the tongue, inside the cheeks, the nose, the larynx and voice box.

Tumors are less likely to occur in these minor glands, but if one does develop, there is a 50-50 chance that it will be cancerous, or malignant.

There are 3 sets of major salivary glands on each side of the face. Most salivary gland cancers start here. The major gland sets are:
  • Parotid glands: These are the largest salivary glands. About 70% of salivary gland tumors start here. Most of the time, they’re harmless.
  • Submandibular glands: These are located beneath the jaw. About 15% of salivary gland tumors start here. Nearly all of them turn out to be cancerous.
  • Sublingual glands: These are located below the tongue. It’s unusual for a tumor to start here.

Most often, cancers of the minor salivary glands start in the roof of the mouth.

Salivary Glands Cancer Risk Factors

Factors that may increase your risk of salivary gland tumors include:

  • They most commonly occur in older adults.
  • Radiation used to treat head and neck cancers, increases the risk of salivary gland tumors.
  • People who work with certain substances may have an increased risk of salivary gland tumors. Jobs associated with salivary gland tumors include those involved in rubber manufacturing, asbestos mining and plumbing.

Salivary Glands Cancer Risk Factors

  • A block or lump on or near your jaw or in your neck or mouth
  • Paralysis in part of your face
  • Muscle dizziness on one side of your face
  • Persistent pain in the area of a salivary gland
  • Difficulty while eating
  • Difficulty while opening your mouth widely

Signs of Salivary Glands Cancer may include:

  • A lump (painless many times) in the area of the ear, cheek, jaw, lip, or inside the mouth.
  • Trouble swallowing or opening the mouth widely
  • Fluid draining from the ear.
  • Numbness or weakness in the face.
  • Pain in the face that does not go away.

These signs usually do not mean you have Salivary Glands Cancer. But if you see one or more of them for more than two weeks, consult your doctor.

Dr. Sumit Shah – Cancer Specialist in Pune

Dr. Sumit Shah, a renowned Chief Consultant, Surgical Oncologist, and Robotic surgeon, is the founder of Prolife Cancer Centre & Research Institute. This state-of-the-art medical facility provides a comprehensive range of integrated cancer treatment options under one roof. Dr. Shah has pursued a super-specialty course in Surgical Oncology at the Cancer Centre Welfare Home and Res. Institute in Kolkata, where he was recognized as the Best Outgoing Cancer Surgeon. He is among the few cancer specialist in Pune who possess this recognized degree, demonstrating his exceptional expertise in the field of surgical oncology.

Diagnosis is typically carried out by the following procedures or tests:

  • Biopsy: Tissue biopsy is used from any suspicious region. A tiny piece of tissue is removed with a special tool passed through the scope. The sample is sent to the pathology lab for examination by a pathologist who looks for cancer cells in the specimen.
  • Genetic tests may also be done on the biopsy specimens to recognize specific gene mutations in the cancer cells. These examinations are available at very few centers in the country.
Imaging tests, which may include:
  • CT or CAT (computed axial tomography) scan
  • MRI (magnetic resonance imaging) scan
  • PET/CT (positron emission tomography) scan
  • Virtual colonoscopy or CT (computed tomography) colonoscopy
  • Double-contrast barium enema (DCBE): Barium is a chemical that provides the bowel wall to show up on an X-ray. A barium solution is given by enema, and then a set of X-rays is taken.
  • Blood test for carcinoembryonic antigen (CEA): CEA is a protein, or tumor marker, made by some harmful tumors. This examination also can be used to see out if the tumor is developing or has come back after treatment.

Stage I:

Tumors are very small (less than 2 centimeters across), and they don’t spread to other parts of the body.

Stage II: 

Cancers are a little bigger (between 2 and 4 cm) but still in the original gland.

Stage III:

Cancer have moved out of the gland, possibly to the lymph nodes in the same side of the neck.

Stage IV:

Cancer have spread to the lymph nodes and maybe other parts of the body.

Your Salivary cancer treatment at Prolife may include one or more of the following therapies:

  1. Surgery

Surgery is the most usual treatment for colon cancer, especially if it has not developed. As for many cancers, surgery for colon cancer is most successful when done by a surgeon with a great deal of knowledge in the procedure.

  1. Chemotherapy

Prolife offers the most up-to-date and effective chemotherapy choices for Salivary Glands Cancer. Drugs are given by mouth or intravenously

  1. Targeted therapy

Targeted therapy targets cancer’s specific genes, proteins, or the tissue conditions that add to cancer growth and survival. Targeted therapy blocks the increase and spread of cancer cells while restricting the damage to normal cells.

  1. Radiation therapy

Radiation therapy uses strong energy sources, such as X-rays and protons, to kill cancer cells. It might be used to withdraw large cancer before an operation so that it can be removed more quickly.

When surgery isn’t an option, radiation therapy might be used to reduce signs, such as pain. Sometimes radiation is mixed with chemotherapy.

Healing from Surgery

Most people who have Salivary cancer surgery heal without any problems. These people go home within 2-to-4 days. A fewer number of patients may have a slower recovery and need to wait for a little more.

A surgeon will give you guidance on how to take care of yourself, including your surgery, bathing, driving, and sexual activity. There will be information about yourself:

  • Diet
  • Muscle Exercise
  • Pain medicine
  • Bowel movements

After Treatment, you will be given a Daily Goals Checklist. Use that checklist to understand how you are doing every day.

While you are in the hospital, you will have regular aims to help you recover. These aims include:

  • Getting out of bed and being active
  • Eating and drinking
  • Controlling your pain

After you’ve completed your treatments for Salivary Glands Cancer, follow-up care is very essential. Routine checkups can help find any changes in your health, and if cancer comes back (or “recurs”), it can be treated as soon as possible.

If your treatment has finished, follow-up appointments maybe every 3−6 months for the first couple of years and 6−12 months for the following 3 years.

Your doctor may check your CEA level before you begin treatment and again after treatment to understand if it has come down. Many doctors suggest a colonoscopy test within 6 months after Salivary Glands Cancer surgery.

Doctors recommend CT scans of the chest, abdomen, and pelvis n a daily schedule for 3 years in people who are at high risk for recurrence.

At Prolife Cancer Center, your ovarian cancer treatment is personalized to give the best results, while concentrating on your quality of life. We offer minimally invasive laparoscopic surgeries that provide successful treatment with less impact on you.

At Prolife Cancer Center, your Salivary Glands cancer treatment is personalized to give the best results, while concentrating on your quality of life. We offer minimally invasive laparoscopic surgeries that provide successful treatment with less impact on you.

Specialized Ovarian Cancer Treatments

Prolife offers unique options. Our globally renowned team of physicians shows your treatment for the most benefit while reducing the impact on your body.

Dr. Sumit Shah is expertise in treating ovarian cancer. We offer the best Laparoscopic surgery treatment for Salivary Glands cancer also chemotherapy and targeted therapy options.

Frequently Asked Questions

The most common sign is a firm, painless lump in the ear, cheek, jaw, or lip area. Other symptoms include difficulty swallowing (dysphagia), trouble opening the mouth widely, facial numbness, or persistent facial pain. If you notice a lump that persists for more than two weeks, consult a head and neck cancer specialist in Pune immediately.

Most salivary gland tumors start in the parotid glands (the largest glands located just in front of the ears). While 70% of parotid tumors are benign, tumors in the smaller submandibular or sublingual glands have a higher risk of being malignant. Prolife Cancer Centre specializes in treating tumors across all major and minor salivary glands.
 

Surgery is the primary treatment for salivary gland cancer, often involving the removal of the affected gland (Parotidectomy or Submandibular gland excision). At Prolife Cancer Centre, we combine advanced surgical techniques with radiation therapy or targeted therapy to ensure the best oncological outcomes while preserving facial nerve function.

While surgery is the gold standard for localized salivary gland cancer, advanced cases may require a multidisciplinary approach including chemotherapy and radiation. For patients who are not candidates for surgery, targeted therapy is used to block the growth of cancer cells while minimizing damage to healthy tissue.

Dr. Sumit Shah at Prolife Cancer Centre is widely recognized as a leading expert in head and neck oncology in Pune. With extensive experience in laparoscopic and robotic cancer surgeries, Dr. Shah provides personalized treatment plans tailored to the stage and type of salivary gland cancer.

Most patients are discharged within 2 to 4 days following salivary gland surgery. Full recovery typically takes 2 to 3 weeks. Patients at Prolife receive a “Daily Goals Checklist” to monitor activity levels, diet, and pain management, ensuring a smooth transition back to daily life.

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