Because salivary gland cancer is a rare cancer, experts have not been able to draw very many conclusions about the possible causes.

• History of radiation exposure
• Gender: Cancer in the salivary glands is more common in men than women.
• Age: Most people are in their 50s or 60s when diagnosed with salivary gland cancer.
• Tobacco: Tobacco includes both smoking and smokeless tobacco (snuff and chewing tobacco).
• Alcohol: There may also be a connection between drinking alcohol and salivary gland cancer, but the data is not conclusive.

Exposure to toxins in the workplace

• Certain metals, such as nickel alloy dust
• Certain minerals, including silica dust
• Asbestos mining
• Plumbing equipment
• Rubber manufacturing
• Woodworking