Is salivary gland cancer treatable?
Is salivary gland cancer treatable?
Many salivary gland cancers can often be cured, especially if found early. Although curing the cancer is the primary goal of treatment, preserving the function of the nearby nerves, organs, and tissues is also very important.
How serious is a salivary gland tumor?
Most salivary gland tumors are benign – that is, they are not cancer and will not spread to other parts of the body. These tumors are almost never life threatening.
Does a salivary gland biopsy hurt?
With a needle biopsy, you may feel some stinging or burning if a local numbing medicine is injected. You may feel pressure or mild discomfort when the needle is inserted. This should only last for 1 or 2 minutes. The area may feel tender or be bruised for a few days after the biopsy.
Does Salivary gland cancer show up in bloodwork?
There are no specific blood or urine tests that can detect a salivary gland tumor because there are no known tumor markers for salivary gland cancer at this time. Tumor markers are substances found in higher-than-normal amounts in the blood, urine, or body tissues of people with certain kinds of cancer.
Can you feel a salivary gland tumor?
In most cases, salivary gland cancer causes a painless lump on a salivary gland. If a salivary gland tumor is malignant, you are more likely to experience other symptoms, including: Weakness or numbness in the face, neck, jaw or mouth. Persistent pain in the face, neck, jaw or mouth.
Who performs salivary gland biopsy?
The biopsy is usually performed by an oral surgeon or otolaryngologist, or other appropriately trained individual. This minor procedure calls for removal of four or more salivary gland lobules through a small incision in the inner lip.
What type of doctor should I see for salivary gland tumor?
If your doctor or dentist suspects you may have a salivary gland tumor, you may be referred to a doctor who specializes in diseases of the face, mouth, teeth, jaws, salivary glands and neck (oral and maxillofacial surgeon) or to a doctor who specializes in diseases that affect the ears, nose and throat (ENT specialist) …
What is the survival rate for salivary duct carcinoma?
Generally for people with minor salivary gland cancer: between 50 and 60 out of 100 (50 to 60%) survive for 10 years or more after their diagnosis.
What is the prognosis for salivary gland cancer?
The prognosis for salivary gland cancer is variable and depends on the size of the tumor, the type of cancer, the type of salivary gland tissue involved, and the patient’s age and general health. CT and MRI scans are usually done to determine if salivary gland cancer has spread to other tissues.
How fast does salivary gland cancer grow?
Most of these cancers develop in the parotid gland but they can also develop in the submandibular glands. They can also develop in the minor salivary glands. Most mucoepidermoid cancers are slow growing (low grade) but they can be fast growing (high grade). Get information on grading salivary gland cancer.
