Numerous different salivary glands are located in the cheeks, neck, and mouth. They create and release saliva to help digest food and protect against infections. It is possible for a growth to arise in one of these glands, causing a lump to grow in one of those locations; importantly, not all of these lumps are cancer. A cancerous growth often causes other symptoms such as weakness or drooping of the face, numbness, or pain.
If patients feel a lump near one of their salivary glands, with or without these symptoms, it is a good idea for them to see their doctor to get it checked out. Diagnosis of the growth usually involves obtaining a scan and/or a biopsy. Then, a doctor will decide the best treatment plan. Most often the management of both benign and malignant salivary gland tumors involves surgical removal and may also include additional forms of therapy.
