Salivary Gland Tumor Surgeon in Ahmedabad

Salivary glands play a crucial role by maintaining optimum balance of salivary secretions in our mouth, which has got a very vital role for oropharyngeal protection and a healthy digestive system. There are three sets of major salivary glands and multiple minor salivary glands. Which type of salivary gland tumor you have depends on the type of the gland and the types of the cells involved in the gland.

Major salivary glands

Parotid gland
Submandibular gland
Sublingual gland

Minor salivary glands

Most common malignant salivary tumors:

Mucoepidermoid Carcinoma

Mucoepidermoid carcinoma is the most common type of salivary gland cancer. More than 30 percent of salivary gland cancers are thought to be this type. Cancers that develop here often form tiny mucous-filled cysts. Most mucoepidermoid carcinomas develop in the parotid glands. They can also develop in the submandibular glands as well as the minor salivary glands.

Adenoid Cystic Carcinoma

Adenoid cystic carcinoma is a slow-growing but aggressive cancer. It is more likely to come back after initial treatment than other salivary gland cancers. It is the most common type of cancer to develop in the minor salivary glands. It often grows along the nerves, which can cause pain and facial paralysis.

Acinic Cell Carcinoma (Acinic Cell Adenocarcinoma)

This cancer develops in the acinar cells, which produce saliva. Acinic cell carcinomas are slow growing. They are more common in women than men. Most develop in the parotid gland.

Adenocarcinoma, NOS (Not Otherwise Specified)

Adenocarcinoma, NOS, refers to cancer that does not fit an exact classification. It can occur in the major salivary glands (usually the parotid glands) or in the minor salivary glands. A painless lump is the most common symptom.

Most common benign salivary tumors:

Pleomorphic Adenoma

Pleomorphic adenomas are the most common type of salivary gland tumor. “Adenoma” is another word for a noncancerous lump. “Pleomorphic” refers to variations in the size and shape of individual cells or groups of cells composing the tumor.

Warthin’s Tumor

Warthin’s tumor is a benign lump that almost exclusively appears in the parotid glands. These tumors are more common in men than women. They have been linked to a history of smoking as well as radiation exposure.