The salivary glands are small entities that have multiple roles for the production of saliva. They may be subject to many conditions: impaired secretory function, gallstones, infection and even cancer. In the majority of tumors are benign but can sometimes be malignant, which most often concerns the parotid salivary glands.
The function of salivary glands is to produce saliva, which serves to moisten the mouth, helps digestion and oral health.
Very numerous, the salivary glands are located around the mouth. There are however three main types: the parotid glands in the cheeks, submandibular glands on each side of the neck and sublingual glands under the tongue and sides of the tongue.
Each salivary gland can become cancerous, but it is most often the parotid glands (85% of cases of cancer of the salivary glands). Slow-growing, most cancers of the salivary glands are benign (75-80% of cases). They look like small mobile nodules in the oral mucosa, small cysts or fixed.
When tumors are malignant (20 to 25% of cases), growth is rapid and unexpected. The nodules are hard and then fixed.
Very numerous, the salivary glands are located around the mouth. There are however three main types: the parotid glands in the cheeks, submandibular glands on each side of the neck and sublingual glands under the tongue and sides of the tongue.
Each salivary gland can become cancerous, but it is most often the parotid glands (85% of cases of cancer of the salivary glands). Slow-growing, most cancers of the salivary glands are benign (75-80% of cases). They look like small mobile nodules in the oral mucosa, small cysts or fixed.
When tumors are malignant (20 to 25% of cases), growth is rapid and unexpected. The nodules are hard and then fixed.
What are the main risk factors for cancer of the salivary glands?
Heredity (genetic factor).
The environment, particularly air pollution.
Smoking.
Radiotherapy of head and neck.
Occupational exposure to carcinogens (nickel, silicon, kerosene ...).
A history of skin cancer.
The use of hair coloring products.
High consumption of vegetables preserved in salt.
The intensive use of mobile phones without headsets.
What are the symptoms of cancer of the salivary glands?
Pain in the mouth.
Ulceration of the mucosa overlying the tumor.
Loss of facial movement.
The presence of tumors in the neck.
A painless lump in the palate, lips or inside the mouth.
Obstruction or nasal congestion.
A change of vision.
In all cases, consult your doctor, which is sometimes called upon to advise an ENT or maxillofacial specialist if you experience these symptoms, but if you find one or hard nodules and fixed in your mouth and especially the cheeks.
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