Head and Neck Cancer

Salivary Gland Cancer

Signs and Symptoms
Diagnosis
Treatment

Signs and Symptoms

Salivary gland cancer may involve two primary glands:

• Parotid gland, the largest of the salivary glands in the upper portion of each cheek, close to the ear, with ducts that empty into the upper inside of the cheek
• Submandibular glands, in the floor of the mouth with ducts that empty near the lower front teeth.

Most cancers of these glands occur as painless lumps, either in front of the ear or under the jaw. Parotid cancers are more common than submandibular cancers. Some lumps can enlarge rapidly or be painful. Other symptoms may include facial weakness, fixation of the lump, sensory loss, ulceration, difficulty opening the jaw and tongue numbness or weakness.

Reviewed by health care specialists at UCSF Medical Center.
Last updated May 8, 2007