Ear, Nose & Throat (ENT) >
Salivary Gland Tumours
“Growths of abnormal cells that originate within the salivary glands (mostly benign)”
Risk Factors
- Older age
- Exposure to radiation or occupational hazards (e.g. asbestos, plumbing, rubber manufacturing)
- EBV infection
- Tobacco smoking (especially linked to Warthin’s tumour)
Aetiology
- Usually arises due to a combination of risk factors
Pathophysiology
- The abnormal, uncontrollable proliferation of salivary gland cells caused by a mutation in their DNA
Clinical Presentation
- Mass/swelling near the jaw, mouth or neck
- +/- numbness
- Weakness
- Pain
- Dysphagia
- Facial nerve palsy
- Hoarseness
- Nasal obstruction
Investigations
- Bloods (FBC, U&Es, CRP) to check for an infectious cause
- Imaging (e.g. MRI, PET/ CT)
- Fine needle aspiration/core needle biopsy
Management
- Surgical resection +/- chemotherapy or radiotherapy (if malignant)
Complications
- Complications of untreated tumour:
- Facial nerve palsy
- Dysphagia
- Metastasis (if cancer)
- Complications of resection
- Haematoma
- Facial nerve injury
- Frey’s syndrome