Salivary Gland Cancer - Ozan Seymen Sezen

Salivary Gland Cancer Diagnosis and Treatment

Salivary Gland Cancer: Salivary glands are small yet vital structures in our mouth and throat responsible for saliva production, the first step of digestion. In addition to the major glands—parotid, submandibular, and sublingual—there are many minor salivary glands within the oral cavity. However, in some cases, malignant cellular changes can occur in these glands, leading to salivary gland cancer. Although rare, salivary gland cancer has a very high success rate with early diagnosis and appropriate treatment approaches.

ENT specialist Prof. Dr. Ozan Seymen, practicing at his own clinic in Istanbul, offers his patients the best outcomes in salivary gland cancer diagnosis and treatment through evidence-based methods and individualized patient management.

In this article, we will address in detail all questions such as what salivary gland cancer is, which risk factors are associated with it, what symptoms it presents, how it is diagnosed, and which treatment options are applied.

What Is Salivary Gland Cancer?

Salivary gland cancer refers to malignant tumors formed by the uncontrolled and abnormal growth of cells within the salivary glands. Approximately 20–25% of all salivary gland tumors are malignant. These cancers most often develop in the major salivary glands, especially in the parotid gland.

Salivary gland cancers can consist of various cellular types:

Mucoepidermoid carcinoma
Adenoid cystic carcinoma
Acinic cell carcinoma
Various subtypes such as adenocarcinoma.

Each tumor type exhibits distinct biological behavior, making accurate diagnosis and staging critically important.

Causes and Risk Factors of Salivary Gland Cancer

The exact cause of salivary gland cancer is not fully known, but several risk factors have been identified. These include:

Radiation exposure: Individuals who previously received radiotherapy to the head and neck have an increased risk.
Advanced age: More common in people over 50 years old.
Smoking: Can be a risk factor for certain salivary gland tumors.
Exposure to certain chemicals: Solvents and industrial chemicals can raise risk.
Genetic predisposition: Individuals with a family history of head and neck cancer have increased risk.
Viral infections: Viruses such as Epstein–Barr virus may play a role in tumor development.

Prof. Dr. Ozan Seymen thoroughly evaluates these factors to provide preventive guidance and schedule regular screenings for at-risk individuals.

What Are the Symptoms of Salivary Gland Cancer?

Early-stage salivary gland cancers may not cause noticeable symptoms. Over time, the following may appear:

A palpable mass on the face or jaw: Usually painless but may grow over time.
Facial paralysis: May occur in parotid gland tumors affecting the facial nerve.
Swelling under the jaw or in the neck: Common with submandibular gland tumors.
Pain: Can develop when the growing mass compresses surrounding tissues.
Numbness or tingling: May result from nerve involvement by the tumor.
Difficulty swallowing or opening the mouth: Especially with larger tumors.

If any of these symptoms appear, it is essential to consult an ENT specialist without delay. Prof. Dr. Ozan Seymen analyzes complaints in detail and initiates a prompt diagnostic process.

How Is Salivary Gland Cancer Diagnosed?

A multidisciplinary approach is adopted for diagnosis. The process includes:

Clinical examination: Careful inspection of the neck, jaw, and facial areas for masses.
Imaging studies: Ultrasound, MRI, or CT to assess tumor size, boundaries, and relationship with adjacent tissues.
Fine-needle aspiration biopsy (FNAB): Cytological examination of samples obtained via a thin needle from the suspicious mass.
Biopsy: Open biopsy if a definitive diagnosis is required.
PET-CT: Used especially in advanced disease to evaluate distant metastases.

Prof. Dr. Ozan Seymen customizes the diagnostic workup by selecting the appropriate methods to ensure accurate diagnosis.

Stages of Salivary Gland Cancer and Their Importance

Staging is crucial for determining disease extent and creating the correct treatment plan. The TNM system (Tumor size, Node involvement, Metastasis status) is used:

Stage I: Small tumor without invasion into surrounding tissues.
Stage II: Larger but still localized tumor.
Stage III: Regional lymph node metastasis may be present with tumor growth.
Stage IV: Invasion into surrounding tissues and/or distant metastases (e.g., lungs, liver).

Staging directly impacts treatment success and long-term survival rates. Early-stage salivary gland cancers have a very high chance of cure.

Prof. Dr. Ozan Seymen personalizes treatment planning by conducting thorough staging and prioritizing the patient’s quality of life.

Treatment Options for Salivary Gland Cancer

The goals are complete tumor removal, preservation of functional structures, and maximization of quality of life. The treatment approach depends on tumor stage, histologic type, and patient’s overall health:

Surgery
Radiotherapy
Chemotherapy
Targeted therapies (in certain molecular subtypes)

In most cases, surgery is the primary treatment method, supported by radiotherapy or chemotherapy as needed.

Surgical Treatment in Salivary Gland Cancer

Surgical intervention is the most commonly applied and effective method. The extent of surgery depends on tumor size and location:

Superficial parotidectomy: For small tumors confined to the superficial lobe.
Total parotidectomy: Removal of the entire parotid gland.
Excision of the submandibular or sublingual gland: For tumors in these glands.
Neck dissection: Removal of lymph nodes when metastasis is suspected.

Preserving the facial nerve during surgery is critical for functional and aesthetic outcomes, though nerve sacrifice may be necessary in advanced cases.

Prof. Dr. Ozan Seymen meticulously plans surgery according to each patient’s anatomy and oncologic needs.

Radiotherapy in Salivary Gland Cancer

Radiotherapy is often used as an adjuvant treatment after surgery and, in certain cases, as an alternative to surgery:

When tumor margins are very close or positive.
For high-grade malignancies.
In the presence of lymph node metastases.
When surgery is not feasible or declined.

Modern IMRT techniques deliver high-dose radiation to the tumor while sparing surrounding healthy tissues.

Prof. Dr. Ozan Seymen collaborates with multidisciplinary teams to plan radiotherapy accurately.

Chemotherapy in Salivary Gland Cancer

Although often resistant, chemotherapy may be applied in advanced or metastatic cases:

For inoperable locally advanced tumors.
Concurrent chemo-radiotherapy.
As systemic therapy for distant metastases.

Chemotherapy regimens are tailored to tumor biology and patient condition.

Prof. Dr. Ozan Seymen coordinates chemotherapy with experienced oncology teams.

Post-Treatment Follow-Up

Regular, careful follow-up is vital for early detection of recurrence and management of complications:

Every 3–4 months during the first 2 years with clinical exams and imaging.
Every 6 months during years 3–5.
Annual check-ups after 5 years.

Follow-ups include evaluation of the oral cavity, salivary glands, neck, and potential metastasis sites.

Prof. Dr. Ozan Seymen provides both physical and psychological support during follow-up.

Can Early-Stage Salivary Gland Cancer Be Completely Cured?

Yes, early-stage cases have a very high cure rate with surgery.

Do Some Types Progress Slowly?

Yes, subtypes such as adenoid cystic carcinoma may have a slow course, while others can be more aggressive.

Is Facial Paralysis Possible After Surgery?

If the facial nerve is preserved, functional loss is minimal; however, nerve sacrifice may lead to paralysis in advanced cases.

Is Dry Mouth Permanent After Radiotherapy?

Some patients may experience permanent dry mouth, although modern techniques reduce this risk.

Is It Possible to Return to Normal Life After Treatment?

With successful treatment and proper rehabilitation, most patients can largely return to normal life.

Salivary gland cancer is rare but can be effectively controlled with accurate diagnosis and treatment strategies. Early detection of any masses in the head and neck region and prompt consultation with a specialist can be lifesaving.

ENT specialist Prof. Dr. Ozan Seymen, practicing in Istanbul, offers effective and reliable solutions in the diagnosis and treatment of salivary gland cancer by combining scientific expertise, modern technologies, and individualized approaches.

If you notice an unusual mass in your mouth, jaw, or neck, or would like more information about salivary gland cancer, contact Prof. Dr. Ozan Seymen to develop an early diagnosis and effective treatment plan.