Salivary Gland Cancer, from the CureRays guide library.

Salivary gland cancer is an uncommon tumor of the glands that make saliva; surgery is the main treatment, and radiation — sometimes with specialized particle beams — plays a major supporting role.

What it is.

Salivary gland cancer is an uncommon cancer that begins in the glands that make saliva, the fluid that keeps the mouth moist and helps with chewing, swallowing, and digestion. There are three pairs of major salivary glands — the large parotid glands in front of the ears, the submandibular glands under the jaw, and the sublingual glands under the tongue — plus hundreds of tiny minor glands lining the mouth and throat. Most lumps in these glands, especially the parotid, are benign (non-cancerous), but some are cancer. Salivary gland cancers are unusual because there are many different types under the microscope, ranging from slow-growing, gentle tumors to faster, more aggressive ones. The parotid gland also wraps around the facial nerve, which controls movement of the face, so treatment is carefully planned to remove the cancer while protecting this important nerve whenever possible. Surgery is the foundation of treatment, with radiation playing a major supporting role.

How radiation treats it.

Radiation uses focused high-energy beams to damage the DNA inside tumor cells so they can no longer grow and divide. The salivary glands sit close to the facial nerve, jaw, ears, and the rest of the mouth and throat, so modern image-guided radiation is planned carefully to concentrate the dose on the tumor while protecting these structures and preserving as much saliva production as possible. In salivary gland cancer, radiation is most often given after surgery to lower the chance of return, or as the main treatment when surgery isn't possible. For some tumor types, specialized particle beams such as neutrons or protons offer better control. Treatments are painless and brief, given over a series of short sessions. Side effects depend on the area treated and may include temporary dry mouth, taste changes, skin irritation, or fatigue, most of which improve over time. Radiation works alongside surgery and medicine as a precise, powerful tool.

The ways we can treat it.

Post-surgery (adjuvant) radiation. Targeted radiation to the gland area and, if needed, the neck after surgery reduces the chance of the cancer returning, especially for high-grade or nerve-involving tumors.

Definitive radiation. When surgery isn't possible, focused radiation — sometimes combined with chemotherapy — can be the main treatment to control the cancer.

Particle-beam radiation. Neutron or proton therapy concentrates dose precisely and is particularly useful for adenoid cystic carcinoma and other tumors that resist conventional x-rays, while sparing nearby healthy tissue.

Questions we hear often.

Are most salivary gland lumps cancer? No. Most lumps in the salivary glands, especially the large parotid gland, are benign (non-cancerous). Still, any new or growing lump should be evaluated, because some are cancer, and early diagnosis makes treatment more effective.

Will surgery affect my face? The parotid gland wraps around the facial nerve, which controls facial movement. Surgeons work carefully to protect this nerve whenever the cancer allows. Some temporary weakness can occur after surgery, and your team will discuss the specific risks for your tumor's location.

Why might I need radiation after surgery? Radiation after surgery lowers the chance the cancer returns. It's commonly recommended for high-grade tumors, larger cancers, those that have spread to nerves or lymph nodes, or when the surgical margins are close. Your team will explain whether it fits your situation.

This guide is informational only. It is not medical advice — please confirm anything here with your care team.