Causes
When a patient is diagnosed with cancer, it is common to wonder why. However, there is not always a clear answer to this question. Unfortunately, there’s no clear consensus among the medical community on the direct causes of salivary gland cancer. While most cancers in the head and neck are caused by smoking and excessive alcohol consumption, salivary gland cancer does not seem to be associated with these harmful habits. In most cases, there is no clear cause. However, listed below are a few known risk factors for developing salivary gland cancer.
Radiation
Studies show that individuals have an increased risk of developing salivary gland cancer after exposure to high levels of radiation from radioactive explosions or external radiation treatment for other cancers.
Potential Links
Viruses
Certain viruses such as HIV-1, HPV* [*types 16 and 18], polyomavirus, and Epstein-Barr have been suggested to worsen the risk of salivary gland cancer.
Workplace Environment
Salivary gland cancer may be associated with substances found in some workplaces, including asbestos, rubber, nickel, and various chemicals. Those who work in the manufacturing, plumbing, hairdressing and auto industries may be at higher risk of developing cancer.
Signs & Symptoms
The most common warning sign of possible salivary gland cancer is a lump on the face or neck. More rarely, these lumps can arise somewhere in the mouth or throat. In extremely rare cases, salivary gland cancers can arise in other parts of the head and neck, such as within muscles or bone.
Additional Symptoms
- Numbness, tingling, or pain in the face, mouth, or tongue.
- Heightened pain in a specific area.
- Weakness of face or tongue muscles.
- Difficulty opening the mouth.
- Unexplained bleeding from the mouth (or more rarely, the ear).
- An additional lump in the neck.
If a patient has a lump in or near the salivary glands, with or without any of these symptoms, it is a good idea to see a doctor and get it checked.
