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