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Symptoms and courseThe salivarygland (glandula salivalis) is a gland located in the anterior part of the digestive system. It is responsible for the production of an important digestive enzyme, saliva, for the initial phase of digestion. There are two types of salivary glands: small (numerous in the mucosa) and large (parotid, sublingual, submandibular). The salivary glands are also subject to various pathologies, the most common of which are sialosis, salivary gland tumours and lithiasis. If any disturbing changes occur in the oral cavity, an ENT or oncologist should be consulted as soon as possible.
Symptoms and course salivary gland cancer
Most commonly mentioned symptoms of salivary gland cancer
Salivary gland cancer is in most cases a benign tumour, although malignant variants do occur. It very rarely gives metastases. To date, the causes of this cancer are unknown. It has only been shown to occur in the elderly, those working with certain chemicals or those exposed to radiation (radiotherapy).
The most common symptoms of salivary gland cancer:
- facial nerve palsy,
- tightening of the eyelid crease muscles,
- inability to crease the forehead,
- problems with swallowing,
- hanging loose of the cheek (can be bitten off during eating)
- problems with swallowing
- other worrying symptoms: oozing of fluid from the ear, a lump (in the salivary gland area, ear, jaw or mouth), a problem with opening the mouth wider, and pain in the lymph node area.
If you notice the symptoms described above in yourself, you should contact a specialist as soon as possible. Never wait for the symptoms to go away on their own.
