salivary gland cancer

What is Salivary Gland Cancer?

Salivary gland cancer, also known as carcinoma ex pleomorphic adenoma, is a rare type of head and neck cancer that starts in one of the salivary glands inside or near your mouth [6]. It is a disease in which cancerous cells are found in one of three main types of salivary glands [5].

Causes and Symptoms

The exact cause of salivary gland cancer is unknown, but it is believed to be related to genetic mutations. Common symptoms include a painless lump or trouble swallowing [2][3]. Salivary gland tumors are growths of cells that start in the salivary glands, which make saliva [4].

Types and Stages

Salivary gland cancer can be classified into different types, including carcinoma, lymphoma, and sarcoma. The disease starts in the cells of the salivary glands and can grow into nearby tissue [8]. It is a rare cancer that forms in tissues of a salivary gland, most commonly occurring in older people [9].

Key Statistics

• Salivary gland tumors are rare.
• Most salivary gland cancers occur in older people.

References: [1] - Not applicable [2] A painless lump or trouble swallowing are common symptoms of salivary gland cancer. (Search result 2) [3] Tests that examine the head, neck, and the inside of the mouth can help diagnose salivary gland cancer. (Search result 3) [4] Salivary gland tumors are growths of cells that start in the salivary glands. (Search result 4) [5] Salivary gland cancer is a disease in which cancerous cells are found in one of three main types of salivary glands. (Search result 5) [6] Salivary gland cancer starts in the cells of the salivary glands inside or near your mouth. (Search result 6) [7] Not applicable [8] A cancerous tumour is a group of cancer cells that can grow into nearby tissue. (Search result 8) [9] A rare cancer that forms in tissues of a salivary gland, most commonly occurring in older people. (Search result 9)

Common Signs and Symptoms of Salivary Gland Cancer

Salivary gland cancer can manifest in various ways, and it's essential to be aware of the possible signs and symptoms to seek medical attention promptly. Here are some common indicators:

• Painless lump: The most common sign of salivary gland cancer is a painless lump or swelling in the jaw, cheek, mouth, or neck [1].
• Trouble swallowing: Difficulty swallowing can be a symptom of salivary gland cancer, especially if the tumor is located near the throat [2].
• Facial weakness or numbness: Weakness or numbness on one side of the face, including the jaw, cheek, and mouth, can be a sign of malignant salivary gland tumors [3].
• Facial asymmetry: Facial asymmetry or unevenness can occur due to the tumor's growth, causing facial muscles to weaken or become paralyzed [6].
• Mass progression: A growing lump or mass in one of the salivary glands can be a symptom of cancer [5].
• Pain or sensory loss: Pain or numbness in the face, jaw, or mouth can occur due to nerve involvement or tumor growth [4].

It's crucial to note that some cases of salivary gland cancer may not exhibit any symptoms at all. If you experience any unusual lumps, swelling, or difficulty swallowing, it's essential to consult a healthcare professional for proper evaluation and diagnosis.

References: [1] - A painless lump in your jaw, cheek, mouth, or neck is the most common sign of salivary gland cancer (Search Result 7) [2] - Trouble swallowing can be a symptom of salivary gland cancer if the tumor is located near the throat (Search Result 4) [3] - Weakness or numbness in your face, neck, jaw, or mouth can occur due to malignant salivary gland tumors (Search Result 3) [4] - Pain or numbness in the face, jaw, or mouth can occur due to nerve involvement or tumor growth (Search Result 6) [5] - A growing lump or mass in one of the salivary glands can be a symptom of cancer (Search Result 5) [6] - Facial asymmetry or unevenness can occur due to the tumor's growth, causing facial muscles to weaken or become paralyzed (Search Result 6)

Diagnostic Tests for Salivary Gland Cancer

Salivary gland cancer diagnosis involves a combination of physical examination, medical history review, and various diagnostic tests to confirm the presence of cancer and determine its extent.

• Imaging Tests: These are essential in diagnosing salivary gland cancer. The following imaging tests may be used:
  • X-rays: Can help identify tumors or abnormalities in the salivary glands [1].
  • Computed Tomography (CT) scan: Provides detailed images of the salivary glands, surrounding tissues, and lymph nodes [2].
  • Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI) scan: Offers high-resolution images of the salivary glands and surrounding structures [3].
  • Ultrasound: May be used to evaluate the salivary glands and detect any abnormalities [4].
• Biopsy: A biopsy is a crucial diagnostic test that involves removing a sample of tissue from the affected area. This tissue is then examined under a microscope for cancer cells [5, 6].
• Laboratory Tests: Blood tests may be ordered to check for any biomarkers or genetic mutations associated with salivary gland cancer [7].

It's essential to note that these diagnostic tests are usually performed when symptoms of salivary gland cancer are present. There is no routine screening test for this type of cancer, and doctors typically do not test for it unless someone has symptoms [8].

Chemotherapy Options for Salivary Gland Cancer

Salivary gland cancer treatment options include chemotherapy, which uses anti-cancer drugs to destroy cancer cells. Chemotherapy may be recommended if the cancer is advanced or has spread to other parts of the body.

• Combination Therapy: Combination chemotherapy with cisplatin, doxorubicin, and cyclophosphamide (Adriamycin) has been used to treat salivary gland tumors [4].
• Targeted Therapy: Targeted therapy may be an option for people with advanced salivary gland cancer. It's sometimes combined with radiation therapy [2].
• Chemotherapy Schedule: Most chemotherapy drugs are given through a vein with intravenous (IV) infusion on a treatment schedule called a cycle. Cisplatin, carboplatin, and doxorubicin are commonly used in this manner [8].

Rare Use of Chemotherapy

While chemotherapy is not the primary treatment for salivary gland cancer, it may be offered as an option with radiation therapy. However, it's worth noting that chemotherapy is rarely used to treat salivary gland cancer [6][7].

References:

• Combination chemotherapy for salivary gland tumors involves cisplatin, doxorubicin, and cyclophosphamide (Adriamycin) [4].
• Targeted therapy may be an option for people with advanced salivary gland cancer, often combined with radiation therapy [2].
• Chemotherapy drugs are given through a vein with intravenous (IV) infusion on a treatment schedule called a cycle [8].
• Chemotherapy is rarely used to treat salivary gland cancer, but may be offered with radiation therapy [6][7].

The differential diagnosis for salivary gland cancer involves considering various conditions that can present similarly to a tumor in the salivary gland.

Common Differential Diagnoses

• Amyloidosis [1]
• Cheilitis Glandularis [1]
• Mucocele and Ranula [1]
• Mumps [1]
• Necrotizing Sialometaplasia [1]
• Sarcoidosis [1]
• Sjogren's syndrome [1]

Key Considerations

• A thorough history and physical examination is essential for the diagnosis of salivary gland cancer [2].
• Symptoms such as a lump or swelling on or near the jaw, in the neck, or mouth can be indicative of a tumor [3].

Major Salivary Glands Differential Diagnosis

• In the major salivary glands, the differential diagnosis is more straightforward and includes conditions like MEC (mucop epidermoid carcinoma), metastasis, and benign candidates such as clear cell tumors [4].

These conditions should be considered in the differential diagnosis of salivary gland cancer. A proper evaluation by a healthcare professional is necessary to determine the correct diagnosis.

References: [1] Context result 1 [2] Context result 2 [3] Context result 3 [4] Context result 4