Salivary Gland Tumors

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Overview, Causes, & Risk Factors

The salivary glands are located around the mouth. They produce saliva, which moistens food to aid chewing and swallowing. Saliva contains enzymes that begin the digestion process, and helps cleanse the mouth by washing away bacteria and food particles. By keeping the mouth moist, saliva helps to keep dentures, retainers, or other orthodontic appliances in place.

There are three pairs of major salivary glands. The largest are the parotid glands, located in each cheek over the jaw in front of the ears. Two submandibular glands are at the back of the mouth on both sides of the jaw. Two sublingual glands are under the floor of the mouth. All of the salivary glands empty saliva into the mouth through ducts that open at various locations in the mouth.

Salivary gland tumors are rare, especially in children. Swelling of the salivary glands most commonly occurs in response to salivary gland infections, salivary duct stones, and conditions occurring elsewhere in the body such as cirrhosis of the liver, sarcoidosis, abdominal surgery, other cancers, Sjgren's syndrome, and infections.

The most common type of salivary duct tumor is a slow-growing tumor of the parotid gland. This is usually a benign (noncancerous) and self-contained growth that gradually increases the size of the gland. It occasionally can be malignant (cancerous). Malignant salivary gland tumors are usually carcinomas.