Salivary gland cancer is malignant tumor of salivary gland epithelial tissue. It occurs mainly in the parotid and small salivary glands on palate. It is more common in the elderly. Oral plaque, ulcer, lump and neck lymph node lesions are precancerous signs. Salivary gland tumor grows very fast and the course of duration is short. It can invade skin, muscles, nerves and bones at late stage, causing tumor surface ulcer, pain and difficulty opening mouth. Salivary gland cancer grows invasively. The boundary between cancer and normal tissues are often unclear, therefore tissues should be cut extensively during surgery. Salivary gland cancer is insensitive to radiation so radiation therapy should not be used alone.
How is Salivary gland cancer treated in practice?