1. Occupational Hazards
Salivary-gland cancer is a very rare cancer in the United States. In fact, more than half of the tumors doctors find in the salivary glands are benign. Salivary-gland cancers account for less than half of 1 percent of all cancers, and because of its rarity, researchers don't know exactly what causes it. However, studies show workers in jobs involving woodworking, plumbing, manufacturing and asbestos-handling are at higher risk for developing salivary-gland cancer. People who received radiation therapy to the head and neck are also at greater risk for getting this cancer, so the doctor should check for lumps or other changes in these patients on a regular basis.
2. When to Call the Doctor
Most salivary-gland cancers occur in patients over the age of 60. The cancer can occur in any age group though, so it's important to know the symptoms. Many salivary-gland cancer patients first notice a painless swelling in the salivary glands. There are several groups of salivary glands in the head and neck area, so the region of swelling can vary. The largest salivary glands are below the ears, under the tongue and below the jawbone. Many smaller salivary glands line the mouth and nose. Not all patients with salivary-gland cancer are pain-free. Some experience salivary-gland pain or numbness.
3. A Tricky Diagnosis
Salivary-gland cancer is actually a group of dozens of malignancies that affect any one of hundreds of glands. The rarity of the disease complicates proper diagnosis. Doctors may begin the diagnostic process using non-invasive imaging tests, such as an ultrasound, CAT scan, MRI or PET scan. If these imaging tests show an abnormality, the doctor must remove tissue from the tumor to examine it under a microscope. This tissue study is necessary, not only to make the diagnosis, but also to determine the type of salivary-gland cancer and plan the best course of treatment. Patients may consider a second opinion to ensure an accurate diagnosis.
4. Three Modes of Attack
Doctors use surgery, radiation therapy and chemotherapy drugs to destroy salivary-gland cancer. The doctors decide on the treatment according to how far the cancer has spread (or its stage), and how fast the cancer is growing (or its grade). A team of experts, including surgeons, radiation oncologists, dentists, speech and rehabilitation therapists and dietitians, is usually involved in the treatment-planning process.
5. Preserve Your Saliva
Most people take the humble fluid that is saliva for granted. However, radiation therapy can damage the salivary glands, bringing the importance of saliva to the forefront. Inadequate saliva production, called xerostomia, can cause moderate to severe problems with dental decay. Saliva is also important for eating and speaking. Patients must strictly adhere to the oral-hygiene program the dentist prescribes. Patients can also ask about artificial saliva preparations.
