Salivary glands are the parts of the mouth and throat that produce saliva.
Many of the tumors in these areas arise in the parotid gland. About 15% of
these tumors may arise in the submandibular glands or in the minor
salivary glands under the tongue and jaw. These tumors are most frequently
noncancerous but on very rare occasions may be malignant (cancerous). The
malignant lesions include adenocarcinoma, undifferentiated carcinoma,
acinic cell carcinomas, and mucoepidermoid carcinoma. These tumors may
occur after radiation therapy for treatment of primary leukemia or solid
tumors. Complete surgical removal is the treatment of choice whenever
possible, with additional use of radiation therapy and chemotherapy.
Prognosis (outcome) for patients with these tumors is generally good. |
