Salivary Gland Cancer

WHAT IS SALIVA AND SALIVARY GLAND?

Saliva is a type of fluid that is important for our body because it is produced in the mouth and contains substances that have important functions such as water, sodium, chloride, calcium, potassium, bicarbonate, immune globulin A, albumin, ptyalin and mucin. Saliva keeps the inside of the mouth constantly moist, lubricates the food in the mouth and dissolves some molecules in the food, allowing them to reach the taste buds. It not only facilitates the swallowing process, but also facilitates speaking by freeing the movements of the tongue and lips. It constantly washes the teeth and the inside of the mouth and keeps them clean.

Saliva secretion is made by the salivary glands. In addition to the minor salivary glands, the number of which varies between 400-600, located in the oral cavity, nose, sinuses, pharynx, larynx, trachea and bronchial mucosa, we also have major salivary glands located on each side of our face and connected to the oral cavity through small channels. These are one in front of each ear (Parotid gland), one under each chin (Submandibular gland), one under each tongue (Sublingual gland). There are 6 in total.

​

WHAT IS THE USE OF THE SALIVARY GLAND?

Salivary glands produce saliva. It is known that a healthy person produces 1000-1500 cc of saliva daily. Salivary glands clean the mouth, ensure acid and food flow to the stomach. Saliva, which has many functions from bad breath to digestion, is very important for health.

​

WHAT IS SALIVARY GLAND CANCER?

Salivary gland cancer is a condition that occurs as a result of cancer of one of the salivary glands, which we call large (three pairs) and small (about a thousand) that secrete saliva in our mouth.

​

WHAT ARE THE TYPES OF SALIVARY GLAND TUMORS?

Tumors are divided into benign and malignant tumors. Benign tumors grow slower and spread to surrounding or distant organs metastasis They don't (jump). Malignant tumors, on the other hand, grow faster and have the potential to metastasize (spread) to regional lymph nodes and distant organs (lung, liver, brain, bone, etc.).

​

WHAT ARE THE SYMPTOMS OF SALIVARY GLAND CANCER?

Slower-growing benign tumors are often surrounded by a thin, membranous sheath called a capsule and do not spread (invade) into surrounding tissues. They usually grow by pushing the surrounding tissues and making room for themselves. This growth occurs over months or even years. Benign tumors do not cause pain, patients very rarely complain of pain. Pain is usually due to indirect causes rather than the tumor itself.

Malignant tumors grow faster and have the potential to metastasize (spread) to regional lymph nodes and distant organs (lung, liver, brain, bone, etc.). They spread to surrounding tissues and develop by disrupting their functions. For example, when they reach the nerves adjacent to their location, they disrupt their functions. Additionally, malignant tumors begin to cause pain after they reach a certain size. This pain may occur due to the tumor occupying structures such as bones and jaw joints, or it may occur directly in the head or face area or when it reaches the nerves that carry the sensation of pain.

​

WHAT ARE THE CAUSES OF SALIVARY GLAND CANCER?

Although the causes of salivary gland cancer are unknown, some conditions are thought to increase this risk. The most important of these is that benign tumors remain in the salivary gland for a long time. For this reason, even though the tumor is known to be benign, it is preferred to remove it from the salivary gland. Radiation exposure is also one of the reasons that increases the possibility of salivary cancer. Smoking increases the risk of most cancers, as well as the risk of salivary gland cancer.

​

HOW IS SALIVARY GLAND CANCER DIAGNOSED?

Early diagnosis of salivary gland cancers is usually based on the complaints of the patient. The disease can be diagnosed through detailed examinations after a person consults a doctor with complaints such as swelling or pain in the head and neck area.  

After taking a detailed anamnesis, the patient is examined. During the physical examination, it is checked whether there is any swelling or enlargement in the salivary glands, and if there is enlargement or swelling, the size and boundaries of the swelling are examined. In examinations, it is necessary to make a bilateral examination and make a comparison.

Imaging methods are also used in salivary gland cancers. Tumor tissue and surrounding tissues are examined especially with Computed Tomography (CT) and Magnetic Resonance imaging (MRI). Histopathological examination is performed for definitive diagnosis in salivary gland cancers. Diagnosis is made by biopsy, that is, taking a sample of tissue and examining it. After a diagnosis of salivary gland cancer is made, MRI is also useful for staging the cancer.