• Guidelines for treating this cancer have been developed by the Head & Neck Tumour Group.
• For health professional information on treating this cancer, please see our Cancer Management Guidelines.
• Salivary gland cancer may also be called parotid tumour, Warthin tumour, mucoepidermoid carcinoma, adenocarcinoma, and many other names.
• Adenocarcinomas are tumours that start in gland cells. There are many different types of salivary gland adenocarcinomas.
• There are three major pairs of salivary glands located in and around the mouth:
• Parotid glands are the largest pair of glands and are located in the cheeks, in front of each ear
• Submandibular (or submaxillary) glands lie just below the angle of the jaw bones, at the back of the mouth
• Sublingual glands lie under the tongue
• Many other minor salivary glands line the tissues of the mouth and throat.
• Salivary glands produce saliva, or spit. Saliva enters the mouth through small openings called ducts. Saliva keeps the mouth and throat moist and helps with swallowing and digestion of food. Saliva also contains the minerals needed to maintain healthy teeth. 

What causes it and who gets it?

Listed below are some of the known risk factors for this cancer. Not all of the risk factors below may cause this cancer, but they may be contributing factors.

• Salivary gland cancer is rare and accounts for only 3% of all head & neck cancers.
• Risk increases with age – cancers primarily occur in people over the age of 40.
• The cause of most salivary gland tumours is unknown.
• Exposure to ionizing radiation, including medical radiation treatments to the head, increases the risk of subsequent salivary gland cancer.
• There is an association between smoking and Warthin tumour.
• Workplace exposure to radioactive substances may increase risk.
• There is weak evidence that workplace exposures to certain metals or mineral dusts (nickel alloys, silica) may increase the risk of developing salivary gland cancer.
• There is weak evidence that a diet high in animal fats and low in vegetables may increase risk.
• There is weak evidence that long-term cell phone use may be linked to an increase in parotid gland cancer rates.
• Statistics
  ^{NOTE:  Available statistics do not have information about the inclusion of transgender and gender diverse participants. It is unknown how these statistics apply to transgender and gender diverse people.  Patients are advised to speak with their primary care provider or specialists about their individual considerations and recommendations.}
  
• BC
  
• Canada 

Can I help to prevent it?

• Although specific causes for most salivary gland cancers are not certain, tobacco and excessive alcohol use are major risk factors for most other head and neck cancers. Limiting the use of alcohol and tobacco products may reduce the risk of getting salivary gland cancer. 
  
• To reduce your risk, don’t smoke, and avoid exposure to tobacco and cigarette smoke. Even if you have been using tobacco for many years, quitting will reduce your cancer risk. Support is available to help you successfully quit. Visit BC Cancer’s Prevention page on Tobacco for information and resources.
• Avoid excessive use of alcohol. Not drinking at all will reduce your cancer risk the most.
  
• Eating healthy, nutritious foods can reduce your cancer risk. Follow the recommendations in Canada's Food Guide and visit BC Cancer’s Prevention page on Nutrition for information and resources.
  
• If you work with radioactive material, take precautions to protect yourself from exposure.

Screening for this cancer

No effective screening program exists for this cancer yet.

Regular medical and dental checkups will help ensure early diagnosis of salivary gland cancers.

Signs and symptoms

If any of the following symptoms last for more than two weeks, see a dentist or doctor.

• A lump in the mouth, cheek, ear or jaw
• Facial weakness or numbness
• Pain in the face or mouth without obvious cause
• Problems swallowing
• Swelling of the face or neck