What are the Treatments for Salivary Gland Tumors?

We’re going to explore the treatment of salivary gland tumors or Parotid Gland Tumor. These tumors, while not extremely common, can be concerning.  But there are multiple treatment options available for this cancer. We will break down the different treatments for these tumors. But before we being, it’s important to understand what Parotid Gland Tumor is.

So let’s get started.

What is a Parotid Gland Tumor?

A parotid gland tumor is a growth in the parotid gland, one of our main salivary glands located near the ear. Most of these tumors are benign, meaning they’re not cancerous. The most common type is called a pleomorphic adenoma, which typically grows slowly and without pain.

Symptoms can include a noticeable lump near the jaw or ear, and sometimes, changes like facial weakness or numbness. While these tumors usually don’t pose a serious threat, they should not be ignored. They can potentially affect facial nerves and cause discomfort.

If you spot a lump or experience any unusual symptoms around your jaw or ear, it’s important to consult a doctor. They can evaluate the tumor and determine if treatment, such as surgical removal, is necessary. Staying vigilant about any changes is key to managing your health effectively.

What Treatment Options are Available?

First up, let’s talk about parotid gland tumors. These are found in the parotid gland, the largest salivary gland. Good news here – about 80% of these tumors are benign, which means they aren’t cancerous. However, they’re not to be taken lightly.

The Surgical Approach

If your doctor tells you that you’ve got a benign parotid gland tumor, surgery is usually the recommended route. You might wonder why surgery is needed for a non-cancerous tumor. Here’s the thing: even though these tumors aren’t initially cancerous, they can grow and cause issues if left unchecked. In some rare cases, they might even become cancerous down the line.

The main goal of the surgery is to carefully remove the tumor while keeping as much of the healthy gland and crucial facial nerve function intact. This nerve, which is responsible for facial expressions, runs right through the parotid gland, making the surgery quite a meticulous task.

A few things to keep in mind about this surgery:

Preservation is Key: The surgeon will work carefully to ensure that as much normal gland tissue and nerve function as possible is preserved.

Individualized Procedure: The exact approach depends on the tumor’s size and location. Sometimes, only a part of the gland is removed.

Recovery Time: Post-surgery, you might experience some swelling and discomfort, but this is usually manageable.

Rare Complications: While complications are rare, they can include temporary facial nerve weakness. Your surgeon will discuss all risks with you.

Follow-up is Important: After the surgery, regular follow-ups are necessary to check for any recurrence of the tumor.

Surgery for a parotid gland tumor is about removing the problem. At the same time, it also focuses on causing the least disruption to your normal gland function and facial movements. It’s a balanced approach that aims to keep you healthy and maintain your quality of life. Remember, if you’re facing this kind of surgery, it’s okay to ask your doctor all the questions you have – staying informed is a big part of taking care of your health.

Treating Cancer of the Salivary Gland

Moving on to malignant, or cancerous, tumors in the salivary glands. The treatment here gets a bit more complex.

Surgery Plus Additional Treatments

For cancerous tumors in the parotid gland surgery often involves removing the affected lobe of the gland and possibly parts of the neck, if the cancer has spread. But the exact treatment varies for each patient. So you will get a better idea only when you consult a specialist.

After surgery, the next steps depend on the histopathology results, which give detailed information about the cancer. Depending on these results, additional treatments like radiation therapy or chemotherapy might be necessary. These treatments aim to kill any remaining cancer cells and reduce the risk of the cancer coming back.

Submandibular Gland Cancer Treatment

Lastly, let’s talk about cancer in the submandibular gland, located beneath the lower jaw.

Addressing the Source and Spread

Submandibular gland cancer can be tricky because it can either start in the gland itself or spread from another part of the body, like the lungs or esophagus. Treatment depends on the origin of the cancer.

If the tumor originated in another organ and spread to the submandibular gland, it’s crucial to treat both the primary cancer and the submandibular gland tumor. This typically involves a combination of chemotherapy and radiation therapy. Chemotherapy is usually the first step to shrink the tumor and address cancer cells throughout the body. Radiation therapy often follows, targeting any remaining cancer cells in the submandibular gland.

Surgical Considerations

In cases where the cancer starts in the submandibular gland, surgery to remove the gland and possibly nearby lymph nodes is often necessary. This is followed by a treatment plan based on whether the cancer has spread and its overall aggressiveness.

A Tailored Approach

The treatment of salivary gland tumors, whether in the parotid or submandibular glands, requires a tailored approach. Factors like the type of tumor, its location, whether it’s benign or malignant, and whether it has spread all play a role in determining the best treatment plan.

For anyone facing this diagnosis, it’s crucial to work closely with a medical team experienced in treating these types of tumors. They can provide the guidance and care needed for the best possible outcome. At our centre, we offer comprehensive treatment and surgical solutions for Salivary Gland tumor. So if you have any doubts, feel free to reach out. We will offer you the best possible assistance.