Salivary gland cancer

Salivary gland cancer is a rare type of head and neck cancer. It starts in one of the salivary glands inside or near your mouth. 

The most common symptom of salivary gland cancer is a swelling on the side of the face, just in front of the ear or under the jawbone.

You usually start by seeing your GP and they might refer you to a specialist and organise tests. 

The stage of a cancer tells you how big it is and whether it has spread. The TNM staging system is used to stage salivary gland cancer. 

The type of salivary gland cancer means the type of cell the cancer started in. Mucoepidermoid carcinomas are the most common type of salivary gland cancer. 

Your risk of salivary gland cancer increases with age. Radiation treatment to the head and neck area can also increase your risk. 

Survival for salivary gland cancer depends on several factors. These include the type and stage of your cancer. 

Treatment for salivary gland cancer depends on where the cancer is, the size, whether it has spread anywhere else and your health. 

Find out about the latest UK research looking at salivary gland cancer as well as information about clinical trials.

Getting practical and emotional support can help you to cope with a diagnosis of salivary gland cancer. It can also help you with life during and after treatment.