Salivary Gland Cancer

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		Home > Cancer and Treatments > Head & Neck Cancers Salivary Gland Cancers Norman Hogikyan, M.D., F.A.C.S., Professor, Otolaryngology-Head and Neck Surgery describes the symptoms and risk factors associated with throat cancers, such as salivary gland cancer. Definition Salivary gland cancer is a rare disease in which cancer cells form in the tissues of the salivary glands. The salivary glands make saliva and release it into the mouth. There are 3 pairs of major salivary glands: Parotid glands: The largest of the salivary glands, located in front of and just below each ear. Most major salivary gland tumors begin in this gland. Sublingual glands: Found under the tongue in the floor of the mouth. Submandibular glands: Located below the jawbone. There are hundreds of minor (small) salivary glands lining parts of the mouth, nose, and larynx that can be seen only with a microscope. Most small salivary gland tumors begin in the roof of the mouth (palate). More than half of all salivary gland tumors are not cancerous (benign) and do not spread to other tissues. For information about this cancer, please visit the University of Michigan Health System's Healthwise Knowledgebase entry Salivary Gland Cancer. Getting Diagnosed / Treatment This cancer is treated at the U-M Cancer Center in the Multidisciplinary Head & Neck Cancer Clinic. It may also be treated in Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery. The Head and Neck Oncology Program coordinates research efforts related to salivary gland cancer. Read about: the Multidisciplinary Head and Neck Cancer Clinic Making an appointment The Head and Neck Onoclogy Program Team (this links to the UMHS website). Research Advancements The Head and Neck Oncology Program has identified head and neck cancer stem cells. Please visit our Stem Cells in Head and Neck Cancer web pages to learn more. Still have questions? Contact the Cancer AnswerLine through their webpage or at 800-865-1125. Return to the top of the page		See Also Department of Otolaryngology Oral and maxillofacial surgery Adjust text size University of Michigan Comprehensive Cancer Center 1500 East Medical Center Drive Ann Arbor, MI 48109 © 2009 Regents of the University of Michigan / Developed & maintained by: Public Relations & Marketing Communications. Contact Us or UMHS. The information presented is not a tool for self diagnosis or a substitute for professional care.

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