Cancer of the salivary gland: Can it be prevented?
Salivary gland cancer is a type of cancer that affects the salivary glands, which are responsible for producing saliva. This less common form of cancer accounts for around 2,000-2,500 cases each year in the United States, making up approximately 10% of all head and neck cancers.
While the exact causes of most salivary gland cancers are still unknown, several factors have been identified as potential risk factors. These include:
- Increasing age: The average age at diagnosis of salivary gland cancer is 55 years old, and the risk of developing this type of cancer increases with age.
- Previous radiation treatment to the head and neck area: Exposure to radiation can increase the risk of salivary gland cancer.
- Exposure to certain workplace substances: Workers in industries such as rubber manufacturing, asbestos, and sawdust in some types of woodworking, pesticides, chemicals used in leather production, industrial solvents, hair dye or hairspray, may have an increased risk of developing salivary gland cancer. However, the research is still limited, and it's not clear whether any of these substances cause salivary gland cancer.
- Certain viral infections: Several types of viruses, such as the Epstein-Barr virus (EBV), human papillomavirus (HPV), and HIV, have possible links to a higher risk of salivary gland cancer.
It's important to note that tobacco and alcohol use are not clearly established as direct risk factors for salivary gland cancer, although they are important for other head and neck cancers.
In addition, while viruses such as HPV are linked to oropharyngeal cancer, they have not been clearly linked to salivary gland cancer specifically. HPV may have a possible connection with a type of parotid cancer called squamous cell carcinoma, but more research is needed to confirm this.
HPV vaccines are available for people ages 11-12 years old, and anyone under the age of 26 years old who has not received the vaccination is recommended to get it to help prevent HPV and related complications, including some cancers. EBV can be found in bodily fluids, including saliva, and individuals with EBV should avoid kissing, sharing food and drinks, and using the same cups, utensils, or toothbrushes.
Potential preventive measures for salivary gland cancer include:
- Avoiding unnecessary radiation exposure to the head and neck.
- Reducing occupational exposure to harmful substances like asbestos through workplace safety measures.
- While not specific to salivary gland cancer, general cancer prevention strategies such as avoiding tobacco and alcohol may improve overall head and neck health.
- Regular medical check-ups for those with risk factors to enable early detection.
Early diagnosis and treatment improve outcomes, so awareness of symptoms and risk factors is essential for prevention and early intervention. Symptoms of salivary gland cancer may include a lump inside the cheek, jaw, lip, mouth, or near the ear; difficulty swallowing or fully opening the mouth; numbness or weakness in the face; facial pain that does not get better; and finding it difficult to speak or move the face normally.
If you experience any of these symptoms, it's important to consult a healthcare professional who can investigate further using a physical exam, imaging such as CT and MRI scans, and a biopsy, which involves the removal of tissue to examine the cells under a microscope, to help identify whether you have cancer, work out how advanced or aggressive it may be, and suggest treatment options.
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