What Is Salivary Gland Cancer?

Salivary glands empty saliva into your mouth. Salivary gland cancer is a rare type of head and neck cancer. Learn about the associated symptoms.

*Health information sourced from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) and MedlinePlus, a service of the U.S. National Library of Medicine. co-pay.com is not affiliated with or endorsed by the U.S. government.

Your salivary glands make saliva - sometimes called spit - and empty it into your mouth through openings called ducts. Saliva makes your food moist, which helps you chew and swallow. It helps you digest your food. It also cleans your mouth and contains antibodies that can kill germs.

Salivary gland cancer is a type of head and neck cancer. It is rare. It may not cause any symptoms, or you could notice:

  • A lump in your ear, cheek, jaw, lip, or inside the mouth
  • Fluid draining from your ear
  • Trouble swallowing or opening the mouth widely
  • Numbness, weakness, or pain in your face

Doctors diagnose salivary gland cancer using a physical exam, imaging tests, and a biopsy. Treatment can include surgery, radiation therapy, and/or chemotherapy.

NIH: National Cancer Institute

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