Salivary Gland Cancer
Salivary gland cancer is an uncommon type of cancer that develops in the salivary glands' connective tissue. Salivary glands produce saliva to help with digestion and dental health. Possible symptoms include swelling or a lump in the mouth, face, or neck; facial numbness or weakness; difficulty swallowing; or ongoing discomfort. Risk factors for salivary gland cancer include radiation exposure, aging, and some inherited diseases. After the tumor is removed through surgery, any cancer cells that are left are usually treated with chemotherapy or radiation therapy. Early identification and prompt treatment are critical for positive results.
About Salivary Gland Cancer
Symptoms: Persistent facial paralysis or weakness, pain or weakness, difficulty swallowing or opening your mouth completely, and a lump or swelling in your mouth, face, or neck that doesn’t go away are all possible signs of salivary gland cancer. Salivary gland cancer can also manifest as persistent ear pain or hearing loss, taste changes or mouth movement issues, and unexplained face tightness or pain.
Causes: Although the precise origin of salivary gland cancer is sometimes unknown, a number of factors, including radiation exposure, aging, certain hereditary disorders, and prior experiences with salivary gland malignancies, may elevate the risk of the disease. Furthermore, some studies indicate that some viruses, like the human papillomavirus (HPV) and the Epstein-Barr virus (EBV), may encourage the growth of salivary gland cancer.
Treatment for cancer of the salivary glands: After the tumor has been surgically removed, chemotherapy or radiation therapy are frequently employed to eradicate any malignant cells that may remain. In select instances, targeted therapy or immunology may also be employed to strengthen the immune system’s defense against the cancer or to more effectively target cancer cells. The prognosis for patients with cancer of the salivary glands must be improved by an early diagnosis and meticulous treatment planning.
Procedure of Salivary Gland Cancer
Diagnosis: A thorough medical history and physical examination are the first steps in the process, with special focus to the head and neck region. To confirm the diagnosis and ascertain the extent of the cancer, diagnostic procedures such as imaging investigations (CT, MRI, PET), fine needle aspiration, a biopsy, or a core needle biopsy may be performed.
Preoperative Evaluation: Before surgery, patients are given a thorough assessment to determine whether surgery is appropriate for them overall. This could involve blood testing, lung function tests, and electrocardiograms (ECGs). Instructions on how to take medications and fast before surgery may also be given to patients.
Anesthesia: The patient is given anesthesia the day before the procedure to make sure they are pain-free and comfortable. Whether a general or local anesthetic is used depends on the particular surgical technique and the patient’s condition.
Surgical Approach: The location, size, and extent of the tumor as well as the influence of surrounding tissues all play a role in the surgical treatment of salivary gland cancer. Surgery options include neck dissection, submandibular gland excision, superficial parotidectomy, and total parotidectomy.
Removal of the Tumor: During the procedure, the surgeon takes great care to remove the cancerous tissue while protecting nearby healthy tissue and vital systems like blood arteries. The tumor’s size, location, and chance of coming back all influence how much tissue is removed.
Reconstruction: To restore function and look, reconstruction surgery can be necessary if a substantial quantity of tissue was lost during the tumor’s excision. This may involve the use of procedures such as primary closure, local tissue flaps, and microvascular free tissue transfer.
Postoperative Care: Patients are attentively observed in the recovery area after surgery for any indications of bleeding, infection, or nerve damage. Examples of on-demand care include wound care, pain management, and rehabilitation. Postoperative instructions are provided to patients, which include diet and activity limitations along with follow-up sessions for monitoring and adjuvant treatment if needed.