Salivary gland cancer
Possible symptoms include:
a painless lump or swelling in your jaw, cheek, mouth or neck
numbness in a part of your face
drooping on one side of your face (facial palsy)
pain in the area of the lump or swelling
problems swallowing
difficulty opening your mouth fully
swelling on one side of your face
Many of these signs and symptoms can be caused by benign (non-cancerous) salivary gland tumours or by other conditions.
Last reviewed: 23 Mar 2026
Next review due: 23 Mar 2029
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.
Treatment for salivary gland cancer depends on where the cancer is, the size, whether it has spread anywhere else and your health.
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.
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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