Kolkata head neck oncology

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Salivary Gland Tumors

Salivary gland tumors refer to tumors that originate from the major salivary glands (parotid, submandibular and sublingual glands) and sometimes from minor salivary glands. The largest of the major salivary gland is the parotid gland, located in front of and below the ears on both sides. Submandibular glands are located below the mandible or jaw bone on either side. These tumors can be benign (non-cancerous) or malignant (cancerous), with malignant tumors being less common but more concerning due to their potential to spread to other parts of the body. 

Types of salivary gland tumors

  • Type

    There are various types of salivary gland tumors-pleomorphic adenoma, Warthin’s tumor (which are benign tumors) and amongst carcinoma the most common variants are mucoepidermoid carcinoma, adenoid cystic carcinoma, acinic cell carcinoma, and carcinoma ex pleomorphic adenoma.

  • Symptoms

    While parotid tumors present with swelling or lump in front of and below the ears, submandibular gland tumors present with swelling or lump below the jaw bone. In advanced stages, parotid tumors can have facial weakness or paralysis, difficulty swallowing, numbness in the face, persistent pain in the area, or fluid drainage from the ear.

  • Diagnosis

    Diagnosis of salivary gland tumors typically involves a combination of physical examination, imaging tests (such as ultrasound, CT scan, or MRI), and biopsy to examine tissue samples under a microscope. Fine needle aspiration (FNA) biopsy may be used to obtain a sample for analysis.

  • Treatment

    Treatment depends on several factors such as the type of tumor, location of the tumor, and stage of the disease in case of cancers. Main treatment of salivary gland tumors is surgery (which may involve partial or total removal of the parotid gland/excision of salivary gland) with or without radiation therapy and/or chemotherapy (In case of cancers), or a combination of these approaches.

  • Prognosis

    The prognosis of salivary gland tumors depend on factors such as the histology, the type and stage of the cancer, as well as the effectiveness of treatment. Generally, tumors that are detected and treated early have a better prognosis than those that have spread to other parts of the body.

  • Follow-up Care

    Patients who have been treated for salivary gland cancers typically require long-term follow-up care to monitor for any signs of recurrence or complications. This may include regular physical examinations, imaging tests, and other evaluations as recommended by their healthcare providers.