Salivary Gland Tumors
Salivary Gland Tumors
The cancer growth in the salivary gland. They are rare type of tumors. The function salivary gland is to make the saliva which help in mastication and digestion of food. Mostly tumors of salivary gland are benign in nature. Salivary gland tumor is mostly in parotid gland.
Symptoms
Following are the signs and symptoms of salivary gland tumors:
- Pain in opening of mouth
- Muscle weakness
- Numbness
- Swelling near the neck and jaw region
- Difficulty in swallowing
Causes
The exact cause of this tumor is unknown but it mostly cancer arise from the mutations which causes changes in the cell DNA due to which cell divided rapidly and abnormal cells are formed which destroy the nearby cells.
Diagnosis
After taking history your doctor might recommend the following tests:
- Imaging test like MRI (Magnetic Resonance Imaging) and CT (Computerized Tomography) scan to check the extend of disease.
- Physical examination to check the lymph nodes
- Tissue biopsy to check the stage and grade of malignancy
Treatment
The only best treatment of cancer of salivary gland is the surgical removal of the gland. Treatment options include:
- Removing the affecting portion of gland
- Removal of whole gland
- Removing of lymph nodes
- Radiotherapy to kill the cancer cells through radiations
- chemotherapy
Lifestyle and home remedies
Following tips will help you:
- Keep oral hygiene maintain
- Brush your teeth regularly
- Rinse mouth with mouth wash
- Eat soft food
- Avoid spicy food
- Keep your mouth moist
- Stay hydrated
- Avoid smoking