Better understand cancer of the salivary glands

Better understand cancer of the salivary glands

In this article today I will use some stronger photos tumor removal surgery so that you understand the severity of the problem and the great need for the fastest possible diagnosis so that treatment is with cancer in very early stages. Regular consultations to the dentist will give you the possibility of immediate diagnosis.

"The salivary glands are responsible for saliva production and are located around the mouth.They may be subject to various conditions that influence its functioning: impaired secretion function, stones, infection or cancer. In most tumors we realize benign factors, but can sometimes be malignant, which often involves the parotid salivary glands.

What are the salivary glands?

The function of the  salivary glands  is to produce saliva, which serves to moisten the mouth, helps digestion and oral health. 

There are three main types:

- The parotid glands in the cheeks.

- The submandibular glands on each side of the neck.

- Sublingual glands under the tongue and sides of the tongue.

Each salivary gland may become cancerous, but the highest incidence is in the parotid gland (85% of cancers of the salivary glands). Most salivary gland cancers are mild (75-80% of cases). They look like small mobile nodules in the oral mucosa, or small fixed cysts. When tumors are malignant (20-25% of cases), growth is rapid and unexpected. Nodules are so hard and fixed.

What are the main risk factors for cancer of the salivary glands?

- Heredity (genetic factor). 
- Environmental, including air pollution. 
- Smoking. 
- Radiotherapy of the head or neck. 
- Occupational exposure to carcinogens (nickel, the silica, kerosene ...). 
- Skin Cancer History. 
- Use of products for hair coloring. 
- A high intake of vegetables preserved by salt. 
- Intensive use of mobile phones without ear headphones more studies become necessary .

 

What are the symptoms of salivary gland cancer?

- Pain in the mouth in various intensities and frequencies. 
- ulceration of the mucosa overlying the tumor. 
- Loss of facial movement, in some cases. 
- Presence of tumors in the neck, usually palpable. 
- A painless lump on the palate, lips or inside the mouth. 
- The obstruction or nasal congestion, commonly confused with other problems. 
- A change of vision quality.

In all cases, consult your doctor or dentist who is sometimes called to advise an ENT or maxillo-facial specialist. These specialties are required if you have these symptoms or if you find one or more hard and fixed nodes in your mouth or face. "

 

I thank the site e-sante for good explanatory article on the subject that helped us a lot in understanding some cancer factors salivary glands. It is a happening less often in dental offices, dentists we need to be in constant contact with the subject to be able to identify cancer in less advanced stages and refer to the specialist professional in late diagnosis and treatment when necessary.