Salivary Gland Cancer
Salivary glands help lubricate the mouth.
Symptoms of salivary gland cancer include:
- A lump (usually painless) in the area of the ear, cheek, jaw, lip, or inside the mouth
- Fluid draining from the ear
- Trouble swallowing or opening the mouth widely
- Numbness or weakness in the face
- Pain in the face that does not go away.
In addition to all major cancer screening and diagnosis methods, we also offer these techniques when testing for salivary gland cancer:
- Positron Emission Tomography (PET Scan) – A procedure to find malignant tumor cells in the body
- Endoscopy – A procedure used to look at areas in the throat that cannot be seen with a mirror during the physical exam
Surgery is the most common treatment for salivary gland cancer. Radiation and chemotherapy are also treatment options.
Your care team will work with you to determine the exact course of treatment. Learn more about treatment options.