Treatment Options for Salivary Gland Tumors

Treatment Goals

Salivary gland tumors are growths that affect the salivary glands in the mouth, which produces saliva. The goal of treating salivary gland tumors varies based on the tumor’s stage (how far it has spread) and grade (how unusual the cells look). Treatment options aim to:

• Cure the cancer by fully removing it from the body.
• Slow down the cancer’s growth and stop it from spreading
• Control symptoms and improve comfort and well-being, especially for patients with advanced or metastatic (spreading) cancer.

Treatment options aim to cure the cancer, slow its growth, or control symptoms and improve comfort and well-being. The specific treatments recommended will be based on each person’s situation and may include surgery, radiation therapy, chemotherapy, or participation in clinical trials.

Treatment Options

The recommended potential treatments for salivary gland tumors include:

• Surgery: Surgery is usually the first choice for treating salivary gland cancer. It involves removing the tumor and surrounding tissues. The goal of surgery is to remove the tumor, and if possible, cure the cancer. Surgery is often recommended for:
  • Tumors that can be completely removed
  • Cancer that has returned in the same area
  • Small areas of cancer that have spread to distant parts of the body
• Radiation Therapy: In cases where the cancer is more advanced in the area, radiation therapy is often given after surgery. Radiation therapy may also be used as the main treatment:
  • When surgery could cause significant changes to appearance or function
  • It can also be added after surgery if there are cancer cells left at the edges
  • The goals of radiation therapy are to destroy cancer cells and stop them from growing.
• Chemotherapy: Chemotherapy may be considered in certain cases:
  • When radiation therapy or surgery isn’t an option
  • It is typically used for cancer that has spread (metastatic salivary gland cancer) or for tumors that cannot be fully removed (unresectable tumors).
  • The goal of chemotherapy is to kill cancer cells or shrink tumors.
• Targeted Therapy: Targeted therapy is another treatment option for:
  • Salivary gland cancers that cannot be operated on, have come back, or have spread to other parts of the body (metastatic)
  • It uses drugs that focus on specific molecules that help cancer cells grow and survive.
• Immunotherapy: Immunotherapy is a treatment that helps the immune system recognize and attack cancer cells.
  • It can be used as a whole-body (systemic) treatment for salivary gland cancers that cannot be operated on, have come back, or have spread to other parts of the body.
  • The goal of immunotherapy is to strengthen the body’s natural defenses against cancer cells.

It's important to talk with a healthcare professional, such as an oncologist (a cancer specialist), about these treatments. They can look at your specific case and give advice based on the tumor’s stage, grade, and personal preferences. Asking your doctor about these options can help you decide on the best plan for treating salivary gland tumors.

Medication dosing may be affected by many factors. Check with your health care professional about dosing for your individual situation. Other side effects can occur. Check with your health care professional or read the information provided with your medication for additional side effect information.