Salivary Gland Cancer - Symptoms, Causes and Treatment

Salivary gland cancer is a malignant tumor that begins in one of the salivary glands. SMost tumors in the salivary glands are actually benign tumors.

The salivary glands produce saliva and drain it into the mouth. Saliva contains enzymes that help the body digest food. This enzyme is also an antibody to protect the mouth and throat from infection.

The salivary glands consist of 3 pairs of glands, namely:

  • The parotid gland is the largest gland under the front ear. Usually salivary gland tumors occur in these glands.
  • The submandibular gland, which is a gland located under the jawbone, secretes saliva under the tongue.
  • Sublingual gland, which is the smallest gland of the other glands. These glands are located on each side of the tongue and mouth.

In addition to the three main pairs of glands above, there are several hundred other very small salivary glands. These small glands are also at risk for tumors, which are usually malignant.

Symptoms of Salivary Gland Cancer

Salivary gland cancer can appear without starting with certain symptoms. As the disease progresses, people with salivary gland cancer may experience the following symptoms:

  • There is a usually painless lump or swelling around the jaw, neck, or mouth area.
  • Swollen cheeks.
  • Part of the face experiences numbness.
  • Fluid coming out of the ear
  • The muscles on one side of the face become weak.
  • Persistent pain in the salivary gland area that does not go away.
  • Difficulty swallowing or opening the mouth wide.

When to go to the doctor

Immediately consult a doctor if you feel the symptoms of salivary gland cancer, such as swelling or lumps in the jaw area. Examination by a doctor is necessary although not all swelling in the salivary glands is a sign of cancer.

Salivary gland cancer can occur as a result of radiation. Continue to check with your doctor if you have received radiotherapy to treat cancer in the head and neck area.

Causes of Salivary Gland Cancer

Salivary gland cancer is thought to occur due to genetic changes (mutations) in salivary gland cells, but until now, the exact cause of the mutation is not known. However, there are several factors that can make a person more at risk of developing salivary gland cancer, including:

  • Male gender.
  • Old age.
  • Never been exposed to radiation.
  • Have a family history of salivary gland cancer.
  • Have a habit of smoking and drinking alcohol.
  • Lack of nutrition and unhealthy eating patterns.
  • Exposure to chemicals, both at work and in the home environment.

Type kanker kglands saliva

Salivary gland cancer is divided into several types, namely:

  • Mucoepidermoid carcinoma, the most common type of cancer and usually arises in the parotid gland.
  • Adenoid cystic carcinoma, which is cancer that grows slowly and spreads along the nerves.
  • Adenocarcinoma, which is cancer that begins in the cells of the salivary glands. This cancer is rare.

Gland Cancer Diagnosis Saliva

At the initial examination, the doctor will ask about the symptoms suffered, risk factors, as well as a history of cancer in the patient's family. Next, the doctor will perform a physical examination by examining the mouth, throat, and skin if the patient suffers from paralysis of the facial nerve.

After a series of examinations above are carried out, the doctor will perform supporting tests to confirm the diagnosis. These supporting tests can be performed using the following methods:

  • Biopsy

    In this examination, the doctor will take a sample of the tumor in the salivary gland for examination in the laboratory.

  • endoscope

    This examination uses a special instrument in the form of a small tube, called an endoscope. The endoscope is inserted into the mouth to the organ to be examined.

  • Pscan

    Scans are performed to determine the location of the cancer and its spread. Scans can be done with X-rays, CT scans, or MRIs.

Salivary Gland Cancer Stage

Through the diagnosis process, the doctor will know the stage of the cancer experienced by the patient. The following is the division of salivary gland cancer stages:

  • Stage 1

    The cancer is about 2 cm or smaller in size, and has not progressed to nearby lymph nodes, organs, or tissues.

  • Stage 2

    Cancer is larger than 2 cm but not larger than 4 cm. The cancer has not spread to the lymph nodes and surrounding tissue.

  • Stage 3

    The cancer is larger than 4 cm and has spread to soft tissues. Cancer has spread to lymph nodes or nearby organs.

  • Stage 4

    Cancer has spread to soft tissue or bone, and can spread to lymph nodes and other organs, such as the lungs.

Gland Cancer Treatment Saliva

Salivary gland cancer treatment is adjusted to the type of cancer, the level of cancer spread, the patient's general health, and the effect of the type of treatment on the patient's ability to carry out activities. In general, the treatment methods that can be done are:

Operation

The doctor will remove the cancer. If the cancer has spread to the lymph nodes, the doctor will also remove the lymph nodes. After surgery, radiotherapy can be done to kill any remaining cancer cells (adjuvant therapy).

Radiotherapy

In radiotherapy, special rays are used to kill cancer cells and stop their growth. There are two types of radiation therapy, namely:

  • External radiation therapy. This therapy uses a special device that rotates around the head and neck, while sending radiation into the patient's body.
  • Internal radiation therapy. This therapy uses a radioactive substance in a special device, which is inserted into the body or placed around the cancer.

Chemotherapy

Chemotherapy is done using drugs that are taken orally or injected. The main goal of this treatment is to stop cancer growth by killing or stopping cancer cells from dividing.

Complications of Salivary Gland Cancer

Untreated salivary gland cancer can develop, spread to other tissues, and cause facial pain. Complications of salivary gland cancer can also appear as a side effect of treatment. Here are some complications that can occur based on the method of treatment used:

Operation

The side effects include:

  • Temporary or permanent facial or oral nerve damage.
  • The operated area and its surroundings are numb.
  • Difficulty moving the upper lip.
  • Trouble closing your eyes for a while
  • Infection, which is characterized by fever and chills.

Radiotherapy

The side effects include:

  • The skin color becomes darker or reddish.
  • The body feels tired and weak.
  • Sore throat and mouth.
  • Loss of the ability to taste.
  • Hearing disorders.

Chemotherapy

The side effects include:

  • No appetite.
  • Weight loss.
  • Decreased immune system in fighting infection.
  • The body is more prone to bruising or bleeding.
  • Diarrhea or constipation.
  • Hair loss.

Salivary Gland Cancer Prevention

Salivary gland cancer is difficult to prevent because it is not known what causes it. However, the risk of salivary gland cancer can be lowered by avoiding the risk factors. Steps that can be taken are:

  • Don't smoke and drink alcohol in excess.
  • Avoid consuming unhealthy foods, such as high-fat or high-cholesterol meats.
  • Follow procedures and use personal protective equipment when in an environment contaminated with asbestos and dust, such as in mining, manufacturing, or carpentry areas.