Are salivary gland tumors serious?
Are salivary gland tumors serious?
Most salivary gland tumors are benign, that is, they are not cancer and will not spread to other parts of the body. These tumors are almost never life-threatening.
Do salivary gland tumors have to be removed?
Most people who have salivary gland cancer only need to have the salivary gland removed. But in rare cases, the cancer grows into the bone, or deeper into the surrounding tissue. If this has happened, you may need surgery to remove the cancer and rebuild your mouth or jaw. This is called reconstructive surgery.
How common are salivary gland tumors?
Salivary gland cancers are not very common, making up 6% to 8% of all head and neck cancers in the United States. There are about 2,000 to 2,500 cases in the US each year. They occur at a rate of about 3 cases per 100,000 people per year in the Western world.
What is the survival rate of salivary gland cancer?
If cancer is located only in the salivary gland, the 5-year survival rate is 94%. If the cancer has spread outside the salivary gland to nearby structures or lymph nodes, the 5-year survival rate is 67%. If it is found after the cancer has spread to distant parts of the body, the 5-year survival rate is 44%.
Are salivary gland tumors hard or soft?
Symptoms of Salivary Gland Tumors Symptoms may include: Firm, usually painless swelling in one of the salivary glands (in front of the ears, under the chin, or on the floor of the mouth).
Is salivary gland tumor curable?
Treatment overview. Many salivary gland cancers can often be cured, especially if found early. Although curing the cancer is the primary goal of treatment, preserving the function of the nearby nerves, organs, and tissues is also very important.
What does a salivary gland tumor feel like?
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.
What are the signs of salivary gland cancer?
Signs and symptoms of a salivary gland tumor may include:
- 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.