Salivary gland cancer

A heterogeneous group of diseases that includes both benign and malignant processes. Most of the detected tumors (75-80%) are benign, ("mixed" tumor, adenolymphoma). Among the malignant ones, the most common are mucoepidermoid cancer and adenocarcinoma.

Who is at risk?

• Elderly persons 
• Men
• Smokers
• Alcohol abusers
• Persons whose relatives suffered from tumors of the salivary glands
• Individuals who have received radiation therapy for head and neck tumors

You can suspect the disease if the following symptoms occur: 

• Identification of dense formations in the parotid region
• Facial asymmetries
• In the presence of regular pain in the parotid region, (can radiate to the cheek, lower jaw, ear, neck)
• Numbness of half of the face or 
• The appearance and increase of weakness or paralysis of the facial muscles of one of the sides of the face

Diagnostics:

• Examination by an oncologist
• Ultrasound of the salivary glands and lymph nodes of the neck
• Fine needle aspiration biopsy of the tumor under ultrasound guidance followed by cytological examination
• CT scan of the maxillofacial region and neck with intravenous contrast in case of suspected malignant tumor 

These examinations allow us to determine the presence of a tumor, its type, and differentiate between benign and malignant processes. Based on this, the treatment strategy is determined. 

Treatment of benign tumors consists in performing subtotal resection of the salivary gland in the projection of the branches of the facial nerve with its isolation and preservation, including the use of microsurgical techniques, which minimizes the risks of damage to it and the development of postoperative paresis of facial muscles. 

In case of a malignant tumor, treatment is carried out according to Russian and international recommendations, the volume of the operation is determined by the results of the examination, depending on the prevalence of the tumor. Often, the removal of the tumor is supplemented by the removal of regional lymph nodes in the neck, since they are the first barrier to metastasis. According to the results of the histological examination, the question of the need for further treatment (radiation therapy or chemoradiotherapy) is decided.

In the Moscow Clinical Scientific and Practical Center named after A. S. Loginov, the treatment of salivary gland tumors is based on the principles of a multidisciplinary approach and is carried out by a team of doctors of diagnostic services, surgeons, pathologists, chemotherapists, radiologists. 

Do not delay your visit to the specialists of our Center. This will help to diagnose the disease in a timely manner and choose the right treatment tactics. Doctors of the center for diagnosis and treatment of head and neck tumors of the State Medical Institution of the Moscow State Medical Center named after A. S. Loginov are always ready to help you.