Salivary gland cancer refers to malignant tumors that affect the salivary glands in or near the mouth. If you are wondering about the symptoms of salivary gland cancer, continue reading this article to learn about the symptoms of salivary gland cancer and more other information.
Salivary gland cancer is a rare type of cancer that affects the glands and ducts that supply saliva to the mouth and throat. If salivary gland cancer is detected early and treated, this is a good thing, so continue reading this article to learn about the most prominent symptoms of salivary gland cancer:
Symptoms of salivary gland cancer
Regarding the symptoms of salivary gland cancer, there are a small number of people with salivary gland cancer who do not suffer from any symptoms, but in most cases, salivary gland cancer causes painless swelling in the affected person, and in the case of a malignant salivary gland tumor, the affected person may suffer from other symptoms, here are Most notable:
Persistent pain in the face, neck, jaw, or mouth.
Numbness in the face, neck, jaw or mouth.
Swelling or bump around the jaw or neck area.
A noticeable difference on one side of the neck or face.
Difficulty swallowing.
Difficulty opening the mouth.
Difficulty moving the facial muscles.
Mouth bleeding.
The presence of ulcerated masses inside the mouth.
Diagnosis of salivary gland cancer
The doctor may perform several tests to help diagnose salivary gland cancer, the most prominent of which are:
Physical examination and medical history review
Usually, the first test your doctor will do to diagnose salivary gland cancer is to review your medical and physical history. Your doctor will perform a complete physical examination during which the doctor will carefully examine your mouth, face, ears, and jaw for any other signs and symptoms.
Imaging examinations
The doctor may also perform imaging tests to help diagnose salivary gland cancer. Ultrasound and X-rays of the mouth and jaws can help the doctor see any tumors or abnormal signs inside the mouth and jaws.
Imaging tests that can be used include: CT scan and MRI.
Nasopharyngoscopy
Nasopharyngoscopy helps the doctor diagnose salivary gland cancer. This non-surgical procedure allows the doctor to see the inside of the mouth, throat, and larynx in search of any swelling or abnormal signs. This procedure occurs by ing a thin, lighted tube that contains a lens or small camera inside. Throat and mouth.
Biopsy
The doctor may resort to taking a biopsy of the affected area and then examining the tumor cells or growths that were taken to look for the presence of cancerous signs.
When should you see a doctor?
If you are experiencing any symptoms that indicate salivary gland cancer, especially if these symptoms persist for two weeks or more, then you should see a doctor to perform physical examinations, because early diagnosis of salivary gland cancer symptoms makes a big difference in the outcome and treatment.
Prevention of salivary gland cancer
Preventing salivary gland cancer is difficult because the exact causes of its occurrence are not completely known, but there are some unhealthy habits that avoiding them may help reduce the risk of salivary gland cancer.
Tobacco and alcohol should be avoided because they increase the risk of this rare type of cancer in addition to other types of cancer. People who work in environments containing pollutants and radioactive materials must follow the necessary protection.
