Salivary gland cancer is a rare type of head and neck cancer in the salivary glands which make saliva and then empty the saliva into openings in the mouth called ducts. Doctors diagnose salivary gland cancer using a physical exam, imaging tests, and a biopsy.

## Symptoms

- A lump in the ear, cheek, jaw, lip, or mouth
- Fluid draining from ear
- Trouble swallowing or opening the mouth widely
- Numbness, weakness, or pain in face

## Treatments

Treatment can include surgery, radiation therapy, chemotherapy or a combination of the three.



 

 ## Departments and Programs Who Treat This Condition

  department###  [Head and Neck Cancer Program](/departments/cancer-center/head-and-neck-cancer-program) 

 A program within the Cancer Center providing diagnosis and treatment for head and neck cancers, including early-stage, recurrent, and aggressive disease, with coordinated care to … 

 

 

  department###  [Radiation Oncology](/departments/radiation-oncology) 

 An oncology department using advanced radiation therapy to treat cancer, with personalized planning and care to target tumors while protecting surrounding healthy tissue. 

 

 

  department###  [Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery](/departments/oral-and-maxillofacial-surgery) 

 A program within the Department of Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery providing oral surgery and jaw surgery for conditions affecting the head, neck, face, and jaw, including trauma, … 

 

 

  department###  [Oral Maxillofacial Surgery Oncology](/departments/cancer-center/head-and-neck-cancer-program/oral-maxillofacial-surgery-oncology) 

 A program within the Department of Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery providing diagnosis and treatment for oral cancers, including lip, tongue, gum, cheek, and salivary gland cancers. 

 

 

  department###  [Maxillofacial Prosthodontics and Oral Oncology Clinic](/departments/cancer-center/head-and-neck-cancer-program/maxillofacial-prosthodontics-and-oral-oncology-clinic) 

 A clinic within the Department of Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery providing prosthodontics and maxillofacial surgery care, including oral oncology services to restore oral function…