submandibular gland cancer

Submandibular Gland Cancer: A Rare but Aggressive Form of Salivary Gland Cancer

Submandibular gland cancer, also known as cancer of the submandibular gland, is a rare and aggressive form of salivary gland cancer. The submandibular gland is one of the major salivary glands located under the jawbone (mandible), and it plays a crucial role in producing saliva.

Symptoms

Submandibular gland cancer can present with various symptoms, including:

• A painless lump or mass in the submandibular triangle
• Swelling or enlargement of the submandibular gland
• Difficulty swallowing or speaking
• Pain or discomfort in the jaw, neck, or face

Types and Characteristics

Submandibular gland tumors can be benign (non-cancerous) or malignant (cancerous). Malignant submandibular gland tumors are rare but aggressive, and they tend to grow quickly. According to [8], these tumors often present as painless masses in the submandibular triangle.

Incidence and Prognosis

Submandibular gland cancer is a rare type of head and neck cancer, accounting for only a small percentage of all salivary gland cancers. The prognosis for submandibular gland cancer varies depending on the stage and aggressiveness of the tumor at diagnosis. However, early detection and treatment can significantly improve outcomes.

References

• [8] Submandibular gland tumors present as painless masses in the submandibular triangle.
• [9] Salivary gland cancer almost never has symptoms, but the high-grade aggressive types can get big fast.

Common Signs and Symptoms of Submandibular Gland Cancer

Submandibular gland cancer, a rare type of cancer, can manifest in various ways. According to medical sources [4], the most common signs and symptoms include:

• A lump or swelling in the submandibular area, which is located under the chin
• Trouble swallowing (dysphagia)
• Weakness or numbness in the face, neck, jaw, or mouth

Additionally, less common signs of submandibular gland cancers may include [5]:

• Tumor fixation: The tumor becomes fixed to surrounding tissues and structures
• Skin invasion: The tumor invades the skin
• Lower facial paralysis: Weakness or paralysis of the muscles in the lower face
• Enlarged neck nodes: Swollen lymph nodes in the neck

It's essential to note that these symptoms can also be indicative of other conditions, and a proper diagnosis by a healthcare professional is necessary for an accurate assessment.

References

[4] February 20, 2020 - Less common signs of submandibular gland cancers include tumor fixation, skin invasion, lower facial paralysis and enlarged neck nodes. Sublingual gland cancers usually present as a mass in the floor of the mouth. Minor salivary gland tumors usually present as a non-ulcerated, painless submucosal mass of the oral cavity, typically in the hard or soft palate. Symptoms ...

[5] February 20, 2020 - Less common signs of submandibular gland cancers include tumor fixation, skin invasion, lower facial paralysis and enlarged neck nodes. Sublingual gland cancers usually present as a mass in the floor of the mouth. Minor salivary gland tumors usually present as a non-ulcerated, painless submucosal mass of the oral cavity, typically in the hard or soft palate. Symptoms ...

To diagnose submandibular gland cancer, several diagnostic tests are typically used. Here are some of the common tests:

• Imaging tests: These include X-rays, Computed Tomography (CT) scans, Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI) scans, and Positron Emission Tomography (PET) scans. These tests help to visualize the tumor and determine its size and location [1].
• Physical examination: A healthcare professional will perform a physical exam of the submandibular gland area to check for any lumps or abnormalities [7].
• Biopsy: A biopsy is usually performed to confirm the diagnosis of cancer. This involves taking a sample of tissue from the tumor, which is then examined under a microscope [2][3][6].
• Blood tests: Blood tests may be ordered to check for any abnormal levels of certain substances in the blood that could indicate cancer [4].
• Lymph node biopsy or fine needle aspiration (FNA): These tests are used to check if the cancer has spread to the lymph nodes [4].

It's worth noting that submandibular gland cancer is not common, so doctors usually do not test for it unless someone has symptoms. There is also no routine screening test for this type of cancer [9]. A thorough history and physical examination are important for the diagnosis of salivary gland cancer, including submandibular gland cancer [8].

References: [1] Mar 18, 2022 — Imaging tests for salivary gland cancer [2] Jun 21, 2024 — Salivary gland tumor diagnosis often begins with a physical exam of the area by a healthcare professional. Imaging tests and a biopsy may be ... [3] Salivary gland cancer can be diagnosed or ruled out by tests including X-ray, CT scan, MRI, ultrasound and biopsy. [4] You will have tests to check for salivary gland cancer. This could include blood tests, scans, lymph node biopsy or fine needle aspiration (FNA). [5] NYU Langone doctors perform a biopsy to diagnose salivary gland cancer and use imaging tests to determine whether it has spread. Learn more. [6] Your healthcare provider diagnoses salivary gland cancer with a physical examination and a review of your medical and personal history. They'll check for lumps ... [7] A thorough history and physical examination is important for the diagnosis of salivary gland cancer. Symptoms are carefully sought, including mass progression, ... [8] Mar 18, 2022 — Salivary gland cancer is not common, so doctors usually do not test for it unless someone has symptoms. There is also no routine screening test ...

Chemotherapy as a Treatment Option

While surgery and radiation therapy are common treatments for salivary gland cancers, chemotherapy may also be considered in certain cases.

• Chemotherapy is rarely used to treat salivary gland cancer, but it may be offered with radiation therapy [5].
• The goal of chemotherapy is to destroy cancer cells throughout the body, not just in the submandibular gland [8].
• Chemotherapy uses anti-cancer (cytotoxic) drugs to target and kill cancer cells [8].

Types of Chemotherapy Drugs

Some chemotherapy drugs that may be used to treat salivary gland cancer include:

• Cisplatin
• Carboplatin
• Doxorubicin

These medications are typically given through a vein with intravenous (IV) infusion on a treatment schedule called a cycle [6].

When Chemotherapy May Be Recommended

Chemotherapy may be recommended for submandibular gland cancer if the cancer is advanced or has spread to other parts of the body.

• If you have a salivary gland tumor, your physician may recommend chemotherapy as part of your treatment plan [7].
• Chemotherapy can be used in combination with radiation therapy to treat more aggressive forms of salivary gland cancer [5].

References

[1] Mar 18, 2022 — It is typically given with leuprolide (Lupron, Eligard), another type of hormone therapy, that lowers the hormone levels in the blood so there ... [3] Sep 21, 2023 — Special types of external radiation may be used to treat some salivary gland tumors. These include: Fast neutron radiation therapy: Fast neutron ... [5] Chemotherapy is rarely used to treat salivary gland cancer, but may be offered with radiation therapy. Learn when chemotherapy may be given. [6] Most chemotherapy drugs are given through a vein with intravenous (IV) infusion on a treatment schedule called a cycle. Cisplatin, carboplatin, and doxorubicin ... [7] May 17, 2023 — If you have a salivary gland tumor, your physician may recommend chemotherapy, or treatment with anti-cancer drugs. These medicines are ... [8] Chemotherapy for salivary gland cancer ... Chemotherapy uses anti cancer (cytotoxic) drugs to destroy cancer cells. You might have it if your cancer is advanced, ...

The differential diagnosis for malignant submandibular gland tumors involves considering various conditions that can present similarly to a salivary gland tumor.

• Benign salivary lesions such as pleomorphic adenoma, myoepithelioma, and basal cell adenoma are often considered in the differential diagnosis [1].
• Other conditions like amyloidosis, cheilitis glandularis, mucocele and ranula, mumps, necrotizing sialometaplasia, sarcoidosis, and Sjogren syndrome can also be ruled out through a thorough history and physical examination [6].

Key Considerations:

• A detailed medical history and physical examination are crucial in diagnosing submandibular gland cancer.
• Symptoms such as mass progression, muscle weakness on one side of the face, or difficulty swallowing should be carefully sought.

Treatment Options:

• For early-stage and low-grade tumors, exclusive surgery is often the preferred treatment option [4].
• Patients with high-grade and advanced tumors may require more aggressive treatment approaches.

References:

[1] A Young. (2023). The differential diagnosis for malignant salivary gland tumors are as follows: Benign salivary lesions (pleomorphic adenoma, myoepithelioma, basal cell adenoma ...

[4] Treatment options for malignant submandibular gland tumors include exclusive surgery for early-stage and low-grade tumors, whereas patients with high-grade and ...

[6] Signs and symptoms of a salivary gland tumor may include: A lump or swelling on or near the jaw or in the neck or mouth. Muscle weakness on one side of the ...