The salivary gland cancer is an issue which is not commonly mentioned when you speak about cancer. This is because it is one of the rare types of cancer in the head and neck. However, proper treatment and early perception will be important to them. This post reviews the symptoms and causes, diagnosis and treatment of cancer of the salivary glands and reasons to consult your doctor even in the case of minor problems.
Knowing about Salivary-Glands
Salivary gland cancer is one of the rare head and neck cancer diseases, and it begins in salivary gland tissues. The saliva which is secreted by these glands aids in digestive process besides defending the mouth from infections. Most of these tumors on the salivary glands are not cancerous but a few may become cancerous and early diagnosis is therefore important.
Salivary glands are three in their main numbers:
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Parotid glands- These are opened in front of the ears.
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Submandibular glands-These are located below the jaw.
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Sublingual glands- These are found under the tongue.
The cancer may arise in these glands and the most predisposed location is the parotid gland. In rare cases, one can have cancers in the submandibular gland or cancers in the minor salivary glands of the mouth, nose, and throat.
What is the Cause of Salivary Glands Cancer?
Although the cause of salivary gland cancer cannot be identified in every situation, the disease has been identified to be associated with a number of risk factors:
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Radiation Exposure: the presence of a history of head or neck radiation therapy enhances the risk.
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Genetics Factors: Genetic Compromised syndromes or genetic mutations may impact.
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Occupational ailment: Individuals that work in the industries related with rubber, plumbing, or asbestos can have a minor raised chance.
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Age and Sex: The vast majority of cases appears among over-50 people and it is a bit more frequent in men.
It must be noted that one or more of these risk factors would not necessarily indicate that a person will develop salivary gland cancer.
Symptoms of Salivary Gland Cancer
The symptoms can be prominent in the early stages and hence the repeated check-ups and awareness become a crucial point. Among the most common symptoms of cancer of the salivary gland, there can be mentioned:
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A swelling or lump around the neck, the jaw or inside the mouth.
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Long-term pain around the face, neck or in the mouth.
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Weakness or numbness:of some areas of the face.
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Hardness of swallowing or opening mouth wide.
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Drainage of fluid in the ear.
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Paralysis of the facial muscles (in case the tumor contacts the nerves).
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The swelling of parotid glands, painless and in particular persistent, cannot be ignored either, since it is one of the first warning signs.
Diagnosis Of Salivary Gland Cancer
Diagnostics of cancer of the salivary gland is a compound of physical examination and the usage of the imaging and biopsy:
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Physical Examination- The physician will check any lumps, as well as, the weakness on the face.
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Imaging Tests- these tests include CT scan, MRI, or PET scan, and they find out the size and location of the tumor and its permeation.
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Fine Needles Aspiration (FNA) Biopsy- Here, a thin needle is introduced to take out the tissue or fluid which can be examined under a microscope.
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Surgical Biopsy - There are situations where surgery can be required to collect and test the mass.
The condition is diagnosed promptly to have it managed at the preliminary stage.
Treatment Options
Therapy depends on the kind, the size and the stage of cancer or the general health condition of the patient.
Surgery
The most common treatment of the salivary gland cancer is surgery. The point is to remove all the tumor and in certain instances tissues around it or lymph nodes. The most crucial factor in the case where parotid gland is involved is the preservation of facial nerves.
Radiation Therapy
Radation is also often recommended following surgery especially when cancer has already metastasized or when a tumour was not totally removed. More sophisticated procedures such as IMRT (Intensity-Modulated Radiation Therapy) have a goal of harming the tumor as little as possible and healthy tissue.
Chemotherapy
Chemotherapy is not bet the first strategy but is sometimes suggested to more aggressive or advanced illnesses, with metastatic cancer. It can also be used as a substitute to surgical procedures.
Salivary Gland Cancer Living with
There are various factors, which determine recovery and quality of life following treatment. A large number of patients enjoy normal lives after treatment has been done, especially when diagnosed early. The rehabilitation usually includes physical, speech, and nutritional therapy.
It is necessary to keep follow-ups regularly in order to check whether there are any signs of recurrence or complications.
Prevention and Awareness
Salivary gland cancer cannot always be avoided, however, there are things that can be done to minimize the risk:
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Take precautions not to use unnecessary radiation in the neck and head region.
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Wear protective clothing when operating in risky industrial areas.
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Keep the oral health and general health condition at a good level.
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Inform your doctor of strange lumps or swollen parotid gland as soon as possible.
Final thoughts: Do Not Ignore the Subtle Signs
Although the occurrence of salivary gland cancer is not common, awareness can make a difference. A swelling that does not hurt, anything close to your ear or the side of your jaw, this may appear to be insignificant, but it is not and one should find out what it is. The sooner it is discovered, the better chances there will be of a full recovery.
Visit Dr. Pooja Babbar To Treat Salivary Gland Cancer
When a diagnosis of any cancer is posed to you or a close relative, especially one as rare as cancer of salivary gland or parotid gland tumors, there is no room to compromise on the expertise of the path to be taken. The most preferred Medical Oncologist in Gurgaon is Pooja Babbar specialized in compassion care, accurate diagnosis, and evidence-based treatment plans.
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More than 15 Years of Cancer Experience
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More than 20,000 Patients Having Treated
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Attended to over 700+ Complex Cancer Cases with success.
She is specialized in salivary gland tumors, rare tumors, and precise oncology.
Her clinical expertise and experienced proportion of putting her patients first earn her the credibility of respect within the field of cancer management. She diagnoses, treats and recovers all her patients with love and care supported by the most promising practices in oncology.
