Salivary gland cancer

What is salivary gland cancer?

Salivary gland cancer starts in the cells of a salivary gland. Learn about symptoms, diagnosis, treatment and risks in our guide to salivary gland cancer.

Risk factors for salivary gland cancer

Risk factors for salivary gland cancer include radiation exposure. Learn about salivary gland cancer risk.

Symptoms of salivary gland cancer

Symptoms of salivary gland tumours include a painless lump in your jaw or neck. Learn about the symptoms of salivary gland cancer.

Diagnosis of salivary gland cancer

Salivary gland cancer can be diagnosed or ruled out by tests including X-ray, CT scan, MRI, ultrasound and biopsy.

Grading salivary gland cancer

The grade of the salivary gland cancer gives an idea of how quickly the cancer is growing. Learn about the grading of salivary gland tumours.

Stages of salivary gland cancer

Salivary tumours are staged using the TNM system, which describes how far the cancer has spread in the body.

If salivary gland cancer spreads

Salivary gland cancer may spread to the lymph nodes, nerves and lungs. Learn where salivary gland cancer may spread.

Prognosis and survival for salivary gland cancer

The stage of salivary gland cancer has the most influence on prognosis and survival. Learn about other prognostic factors for salivary gland cancer.

Treatments for salivary gland cancer

Treatments for salivary gland cancer include surgery and radiation. Learn about treatment plans and options for salivary gland cancer.

Supportive care for salivary gland cancer

Supportive care can help you cope with dry mouth and changes to your appearance after salivary gland cancer treatments. Learn about supportive care.

Research in salivary gland cancer

Researchers are always learning more about salivary gland cancer and finding better ways to treat it.

Head and neck cancer statistics

Cancer statistics tell us how many people in Canada are diagnosed with and die from salivary gland cancer in a certain time frame.

Medical disclaimer

The information that the Canadian Cancer Society provides does not replace your relationship with your doctor. The information is for your general use, so be sure to talk to a qualified healthcare professional before making medical decisions or if you have questions about your health.

We do our best to make sure that the information we provide is accurate and reliable but cannot guarantee that it is error-free or complete.

The Canadian Cancer Society is not responsible for the quality of the information or services provided by other organizations and mentioned on cancer.ca, nor do we endorse any service, product, treatment or therapy.


1-888-939-3333 | cancer.ca | © 2024 Canadian Cancer Society