Salivary Gland Tumors

There are three pairs of major salivary glands — parotid, sublingual and submandibular. Many other tiny salivary glands are in lips, cheeks, and throughout the mouth and throat. Salivary gland cancer most commonly occurs in the parotid gland, which is just in front of the ear.

Signs & Symptoms

• A lump or swelling on or near your jaw or in your neck or mouth

• Numbness in part of your face

• Muscle weakness on one side of your face

• Persistent pain in the area of a salivary gland

• Difficulty swallowing

• Trouble opening your mouth widely

Treatments

Treatment for salivary gland cancer often involves surgery. Other treatments for salivary gland cancer may include radiation therapy and chemotherapy.