![Mayo Clinic home page [logo]](/images-global/mayologo.gif)
Discover how you can help support Mayo Clinic.
At Mayo Clinic, patients with salivary gland tumors receive care from a group of physicians who specialize in related medical areas. This team may include otorhinolaryngologists (head and neck surgeons), oral and maxillofacial surgeons, radiation oncologists, medical oncologists and other specialists, as needed. Through this collaboration, Mayo Clinic offers comprehensive and excellent care for patients with benign or malignant tumors. Physicians at Mayo Clinic in Minnesota also treat pediatric patients. Patients with salivary gland cancer have access to the resources of the Mayo Clinic Cancer Center. Designated as a Comprehensive Cancer Center by the National Cancer Institute, Mayo Clinic ranks in the top tier of cancer centers in the United States for cancer research.
To properly diagnose and stage salivary gland tumors, Mayo Clinic physicians perform thorough physical exams and inspect high-resolution images. Physicians may use a specialized procedure called fine-needle aspiration to gather cells (biopsy) that are then viewed by a pathologist. Read more about diagnosis of salivary gland tumors.
Treatment for malignant salivary gland tumors often includes surgery, radiation therapy, chemotherapy, reconstructive surgery, or a combination of these therapies. Treatment strategies may depend on the patient's age, the stage of the tumor or other factors. At Mayo Clinic, highly trained surgeons work with other specialists to develop a comprehensive treatment plan for each patient. Read more about treatment options for salivary gland tumors.
Salivary glands provide the fluid (saliva) that moistens the mouth and aids in the digestion of food. The three largest sets of salivary glands are the parotids, located in front of the ears; the submandibular glands, which are under the jawbones; and the sublingual glands, which are beside the tongue. In addition, hundreds of smaller (minor) glands line the mouth and throat. Nearly 80 percent of all salivary gland tumors originate in the parotid glands, 10 percent to 15 percent begin in the submandibular glands, and the remaining tumors grow in the sublingual and minor salivary glands. The majority of salivary gland tumors are not cancerous. Some salivary gland tumors grow slowly, others rapidly. Rapid growth or pain and weakness of the facial muscles are likely indicators of a malignant tumor.
Read more at
www.MayoClinic.com
A service of Mayo Foundation for Medical Education and Research
JoAnn Selvera had almost given up hope of being able to speak or eat normally. Mayo surgeons removed the lump from her throat and gave her a normal life again, and she couldn't be happier.
Read JoAnn's story.
Read all patient stories.
.
