Editorial Team
... Read More
By clicking “Accept All Cookies”, you agree to the storing of cookies on your device to enhance site navigation, analyze site usage, and assist in our marketing efforts. Cookie Policy.
Patients recovering from salivary gland cancer must follow a good health and oral hygiene routine and avoid smoking, drinking, and stress.
Salivary gland cancer is a rare form of cancer caused when malignant tissues are formed in the salivary glands. The saliva formed by the salivary glands located on each side of the face is a lubricating fluid that contains enzymes, antibodies, etc. that help in preventing infections of the mouth and the throat. While formation of tumours in the salivary glands in not a common phenomenon, the good thing is that most salivary gland cancers are benign and do not spread to the other parts of the body.
Some of the following factors are known to increase the risk of developing salivary gland cancer.
Those with salivary gland cancer may notice symptoms like -
Following are the procedure used to diagnose salivary gland cancer:
Stage I tumours are very small (less than 2 centimetres) and do not spread to other parts of the body. Stage II tumours are a little bigger (between 2 and 4 cm) but continue to stay in the original gland. In Stage III, cancers spread out of the gland, possibly to the lymph nodes on the same side of the neck while in Stage IV, cancers spread to the lymph nodes and in some cases, to the other parts of the body.
Once the stage is diagnosed, there are several treatment options that doctors prescribe for recovery. Surgery is generally recommended during Stage I of salivary gland cancer along with radiation therapy to ensure complete destruction of the cancer cells. Although Stage II tumours are larger than Stage I, they are generally restricted to the gland and can be removed via surgery and radiation therapy. In stages, III & IVA, with the spread of cancer, extensive surgery may be done, which not only removes the tumour but also tissues around the gland.
The treatment options include Targeted Drug Therapy, especially in the last stage of salivary gland cancers, to restrict them from growing and reproducing.
Patients recovering from salivary gland cancer must follow a good health and oral hygiene routine and avoid smoking, drinking, and stress. A good diet with regular physical activity can help rebuild strength and energy. It is also important to come for regular medical check-ups.
Following a healthy lifestyle, can help in preventing cancers of the head and mouth. We help you out with a few prevention tips -
While there may be times when symptoms may be difficult to notice, it is also possible to experience those symptoms as a result of some other medical conditions. It is, thus, important not to ignore them and consult a doctor at the earliest.
(This article is authored by Dr Anand Subash, Consultant, Head and Neck Surgical Oncologist and Robotic Surgeon, HCG Cancer Hospital, Bengaluru)