Salivary gland Surgery
Message from Dr. Ajay Simha
A diagnosis of salivary gland cancer can be overwhelming for patients and their families. Concerns regarding treatment options, outcomes and the road ahead are but natural.
When salivary gland cancer is suspected or diagnosed, a detailed evaluation is carried out to confirm the diagnosis and understand the type and stage of the tumour. A personalized treatment plan is then formulated by a multidisciplinary team based on the patient’s overall health, stage and individual goals.
I am Dr. Ajay Simha, Consultant Surgical Oncologist (Cancer Surgeon) and this page gives an overview of salivary gland cancer – right from symptoms and evaluation to treatment options.
What Is Salivary Gland Cancer?
Salivary glands are responsible for producing saliva, which helps with digestion and keeps the mouth moist. Salivary gland cancer develops as a result of abnormal growth of cells within the salivary glands. The cancer can develop in the major salivary glands such as the parotid, submandibular and sublingual glands, as well as the smaller minor salivary glands.
Symptoms of Salivary Gland Cancer
The symptoms of salivary gland cancer may vary depending on the location, size and progression of the tumour. Common symptoms include:
- A lump or swelling near the ear, cheek or jaw
- Persistent swelling in the mouth
- Pain in the face or around the affected gland
- Difficulty swallowing
- Difficulty opening the mouth widely
- Numbness or weakness of the face
- Weakness or changes in facial movement
- Persistent facial pain
- Difficulty moving the jaw
- Fluid draining from the ear in certain cases
If these symptoms continue or worsen, timely medical evaluation is important.
Evaluation of Salivary Gland Cancer
When salivary gland cancer is suspected based on symptoms and clinical examination, a detailed examination of the head, neck and oral cavity is carried out. The location, size and characteristics of any abnormal swelling are assessed.
Imaging such as ultrasound, CT scan or MRI may be performed to assess the tumour and its relationship with nearby structures. PET-CT may be recommended in selected patients to evaluate the extent of the disease.
A biopsy is performed when required to confirm the diagnosis and determine the type of tumour. Fine-needle aspiration may be used to evaluate a salivary gland swelling.
Treatment Options for Salivary Gland Cancer
Management of salivary gland cancer usually involves one or more treatment modalities. The right combination and sequencing of treatments is determined by a team of experts based on the type, grade and stage of the tumour.
Surgery
Surgery for salivary gland cancer involves removal of the affected gland or the part of the gland containing the tumour, along with an appropriate margin of surrounding tissue. Nearby lymph nodes may also need to be removed depending on the extent of the disease.
Chemotherapy
Chemotherapy uses anti-cancer medicines to destroy or control the growth of cancer cells. It may be considered in selected patients with advanced, recurrent or metastatic salivary gland cancer based on the type and stage of the disease.
Radiation Therapy
Radiation therapy uses high-energy rays to target and destroy cancer cells. It may be recommended after surgery in patients with certain high-risk features and may also be used when surgery is not possible or to help control symptoms in selected patients.
Immunotherapy
Immunotherapy helps the body’s immune system recognize and attack cancer cells. Depending on certain tumour factors and the stage of disease, immunotherapy may be considered in selected patients with advanced or recurrent salivary gland cancer.
Targeted Therapy
Targeted therapy includes drugs that act on specific factors or molecular changes expressed by certain cancer cells. They may be used in selected patients when appropriate tumour markers or molecular alterations are identified.
Supportive Care
Nutritional support
An important component of salivary gland cancer treatment is nutritional support. Patients undergoing surgery or radiation therapy may experience difficulty with eating, swallowing or saliva production.
Physiotherapy
Physiotherapy helps prepare patients for surgery, supports recovery after surgery and helps patients return to their previous activities of daily living. Depending on the surgery, rehabilitation may include exercises for the face, jaw, neck and shoulder. Speech and swallowing therapy may also be recommended when required.
Surgical Approaches for Salivary Gland Cancer
The choice of surgical approach depends on the type and stage of the cancer, tumour location, involvement of nearby structures and the patient’s overall health.
Depending on the individual case, parotidectomy, submandibular gland surgery, sublingual gland surgery, minor salivary gland surgery or neck dissection may be recommended. Reconstruction may also be required when the tumour involves surrounding tissues.
Each technique and surgical plan is selected based on factors such as:
- The location of the tumour within the salivary glands
- The type, grade and stage of the cancer
- The size and extent of the tumour
- Involvement of the facial nerve or other nearby structures
- Spread to the lymph nodes
- Response to previous treatments, if any
- The patient’s overall health and fitness for surgery
Every treatment plan is carefully tailored to ensure the safest and most effective outcome.
Dr. Ajay Simha is experienced in the surgical management of salivary gland cancers using appropriate surgical techniques based on the individual patient’s condition. The goal is always to achieve complete cancer removal while ensuring patient safety, surgical precision, preservation of important structures and optimal recovery.
Frequently Asked Questions
Surgery is usually recommended when the tumour can be safely removed, depending on its type, location, size and stage.
Treatment options may include surgery, radiation therapy, chemotherapy, targeted therapy, immunotherapy or a combination of these.
Selected salivary gland tumours may be treated using minimally invasive techniques, depending on their location, size and extent.
Recovery varies depending on the type of surgery and overall health. Most patients gradually resume normal activities with proper follow-up.
Dr. Ajay Simha provides personalized evaluation, advanced surgical expertise and comprehensive treatment planning for patients with salivary gland cancer.