Getting diagnosed
Screening means testing people for early stages of a disease. This is before they have any symptoms. For screening to be useful the tests:
need to be reliable at picking up cancers
overall must do more good than harm to people taking part
must be something that people are willing to do
Screening tests are not perfect and have some risks. The screening programme should also be good value for money for the NHS.
There is no national screening programme because:
this condition is very rare, so many people would have unnecessary tests
the benefits don't outweigh the costs
Talk to your GP if you think you are at increased risk of salivary gland cancer or are worried about symptoms.
Find out about possible risks and causes of salivary gland cancer
Last reviewed: 24 Mar 2026
Next review due: 24 Mar 2029
See your GP if you notice a change that isn't normal for you. Or if you have any of the possible signs and symptoms of salivary gland cancer.
Your GP should arrange for you to see a specialist or have tests if you have symptoms that could be due to salivary gland cancer.
Treatment for salivary gland cancer depends on where the cancer is, the size, whether it has spread anywhere else and your health.
Your risk of salivary gland cancer increases with age. Radiation treatment to the head and neck area can also increase your risk.
Salivary gland cancer can start in any of the glands that make spit (saliva). As well as 3 major pairs of salivary glands we have over 600 smaller, minor salivary glands throughout the lining of the mouth and throat.
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