What to Know About Salivary Gland Cancer
Cancer can be a very scary word, especially when in reference to one’s self. All forms of cancer are something to be taken seriously, with salivary gland cancer, which is extremely rare, being no exception, accounting for about one percent of cancers in the U.S. Learning about this disease, which can affect major and minor salivary glands, is an important task for anyone hoping to prevent risk to themselves.
There are three major salivary glands---the parotid, the submandibular, and the sublingual. The parotid is on the side of the face in front of the ears, the submandibular is on the side of the mouth by the jawbone, and the sublingual is below the tongue.
The parotid is the most common site for salivary gland cancer. The facial nerve is in direct proximity to the parotid gland, so nerve care here becomes extremely important during cancer treatment because damage could lead to facial palsy. Cancer cells can also show up in the minor salivary glands in other places of the mouth like the tongue, lips, and inner cheek.
Though this cancer is rare, there are risk factors that make people susceptible. The frequency of this cancer increases with age, and it is more common in men than women. If your head or neck has been exposed to radiation, there is also an increased risk. The symptoms of this cancer are usually gradual swelling or a lump in the jaw or neck area. Persistent pain in these areas is also a symptom, and enlargements should also be investigated by a doctor. People can also experience numbness, weakness on one side of the face, or trouble swallowing or opening the mouth widely.
Primary treatment for this cancer is partial removal of the tumor site and associated structures. Close lymph nodes can also be removed and evaluated for the spread of cancer. Radiation therapy may be required in addition to the surgery to ensure no cancer cells are left. Chemotherapy may not be an effective form of treatment at this time, but new approaches are being explored to combat this disease.
If you notice changes in your mouth or have concerns about your oral health, it’s best to talk to a dentist, as he or she can perform an oral cancer screening during semi-annual visits. Using a dental team to help maintain oral health is vastly important, not only to keep your smile bright but to detect life threatening illnesses before they can cause harm.
If you or a loved one is in need of a visit to the dentist, you can sign up for our New Hampshire Family Discount Dental Plan and save as much as 20 percent on your dental bills. For more information, please click here. We also offer Employee Discount Dental Plans for business owners offering dental to their employees.
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