# Salivary Gland Tumours: An Overview

> The types of salivary gland tumours, the differences between benign and malignant tumours, their symptoms, diagnostic methods and treatment approaches.

Source: https://www.aysenurmerichafiz.com/en/treatments/salivary-glands/salivary-gland-tumours/  
Updated: 2026-10-16

Treatment area: [Salivary glands](https://www.aysenurmerichafiz.com/en/treatments/salivary-glands/)

The types of salivary gland tumours, the differences between benign and malignant tumours, their symptoms, diagnostic methods and treatment approaches.

Medically reviewed by [Prof. Dr. Ayşenur Meriç Hafız](https://www.aysenurmerichafiz.com/en/about/) · 5 October 2026

Diagram The three pairs of major salivary glands: parotid (in front of the ear), submandibular (under the jaw) and sublingual (under the tongue).

Salivary gland tumours are masses that form when cells in the saliva-producing glands multiply uncontrollably. The great majority are benign and grow slowly; however, some may be malignant. For this reason, any lump noticed in the region of the salivary glands should be evaluated by a doctor.1

## The salivary glands and their tumours

There are three pairs of major salivary glands: the parotid gland in front of the ear, the submandibular gland under the jaw and the sublingual gland under the tongue. In addition, hundreds of minor salivary glands are found in the lining of the lips, cheeks, palate and throat. Tumours occur most often in the parotid gland, and most tumours in this gland are benign. The smaller the gland, the higher the likelihood that a tumour is malignant; masses in the submandibular and minor salivary glands are therefore assessed with greater care. The cause of most salivary gland cancers is not known; known risk factors include older age, radiation treatment to the head and neck and exposure to certain substances at work.2,3,4

## Benign and malignant tumours

- **Benign tumours:** The most common type is the pleomorphic adenoma, which forms a well-defined, slowly growing mass. Because it can, rarely, turn malignant when left for many years, its removal is recommended. Warthin’s tumour is another common benign type; malignant change in it is very rare.1,5
- **Malignant tumours:** There are various types, such as mucoepidermoid carcinoma, adenoid cystic carcinoma and acinic cell carcinoma. Their behaviour depends on the type and grade; some progress slowly, others quickly.1,3

## Symptoms

- A slowly growing lump that does not hurt, in front of the ear, under the jaw or inside the mouth2
- Rapid growth of the lump, hardening, or a feeling that it is fixed to the surrounding tissue
- Pain, numbness or weakness of the facial muscles
- Difficulty opening the mouth or swallowing

Pain, rapid growth and facial nerve symptoms may suggest a malignant tumour; however, these symptoms can also occur in benign conditions.3

## Diagnosis

The evaluation begins with a head and neck examination. Ultrasound shows the structure of the gland and the features of the mass; the cells obtained by fine-needle aspiration biopsy provide information on whether the tumour is benign or malignant. For deep-seated tumours or those suspected of being malignant, magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) or computed tomography (CT) is used to assess the extent of the tumour. The definite diagnosis is made by pathological examination of the removed tissue.3,4

## Treatment

The main treatment for salivary gland tumours is surgery. In benign tumours, the tumour is removed together with a margin of healthy tissue around it; in the parotid gland, the operation aims to preserve the facial nerve. In malignant tumours, the whole gland and, when necessary, the lymph nodes of the neck are removed; radiotherapy may be added after surgery depending on the pathology result. The treatment plan is drawn up for each person according to the type, grade and location of the tumour.

## When should you see a doctor?

If you notice a lump in front of the ear, under the jaw or inside the mouth that has not gone away for a few weeks, if the lump is growing or painful, or if you feel weakness or numbness on one side of your face, it is advisable to seek an evaluation. Early diagnosis usually makes treatment simpler.

## Frequently asked questions

**Are most salivary gland tumours cancer?**

No. Most salivary gland tumours are benign; however, every lump needs to be assessed by examination and, if necessary, biopsy in order to identify the malignant ones.

**Should a benign tumour be operated on?**

Usually yes. Benign tumours grow over time, some types can rarely turn malignant, and a definite diagnosis can only be made by examining the removed tissue.

**Does a salivary gland tumour go away on its own?**

Tumours do not disappear by themselves. Swelling caused by infection or a stone may be temporary; a persistent lump should be evaluated by a doctor.

**What causes a salivary gland tumour?**

A tumour forms when cells in a salivary gland multiply uncontrollably. The cause of most salivary gland cancers is not known; known risk factors include older age, radiation treatment to the head and neck and exposure to certain substances at work.

**What are the symptoms of a salivary gland tumour?**

A slowly growing lump that does not hurt, in front of the ear, under the jaw or inside the mouth, is one symptom; others are pain, numbness or weakness of the facial muscles, and difficulty opening the mouth or swallowing. Pain, rapid growth and facial nerve symptoms may suggest a malignant tumour, but they can also occur in benign conditions.

## Related articles

- [Why does a salivary gland swell? A stone, an infection or a tumour? The main causes of a swollen salivary gland, how they differ, how the cause is found and when to see a doctor.](https://www.aysenurmerichafiz.com/en/blog/why-does-a-salivary-gland-swell/)

## References

1. Cancer Research UK. Types of salivary gland cancer \[Internet\]. London: Cancer Research UK; \[reviewed 2026 Mar 31; cited 2026 Oct 5\]. Available from: [cancerresearchuk.org](https://www.cancerresearchuk.org/about-cancer/salivary-gland-cancer/types) ↩
2. National Cancer Institute. Salivary gland cancer treatment (PDQ®)–patient version \[Internet\]. Bethesda (MD): National Cancer Institute; \[updated 2025 Mar 14; cited 2026 Oct 5\]. Available from: [cancer.gov](https://www.cancer.gov/types/head-and-neck/patient/adult/salivary-gland-treatment-pdq) ↩
3. Sood S, McGurk M, Vaz F. Management of salivary gland tumours: United Kingdom National Multidisciplinary Guidelines. J Laryngol Otol. 2016;130(S2):S142-S149. [doi:10.1017/S0022215116000566](https://doi.org/10.1017/S0022215116000566) ↩
4. van Herpen C, Vander Poorten V, Skalova A, Terhaard C, Maroldi R, van Engen A, et al. Salivary gland cancer: ESMO–European Reference Network on Rare Adult Solid Cancers (EURACAN) Clinical Practice Guideline for diagnosis, treatment and follow-up. ESMO Open. 2022;7(6):100602. [doi:10.1016/j.esmoop.2022.100602](https://doi.org/10.1016/j.esmoop.2022.100602) ↩
5. Limaiem F, Jain P. Warthin tumor. In: StatPearls \[Internet\]. Treasure Island (FL): StatPearls Publishing; 2023 \[cited 2026 Oct 13\]. Available from: [ncbi.nlm.nih.gov](https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/NBK557640/) ↩

This page is general information. Decisions about diagnosis and treatment are made for you personally, and only after an examination. If you have symptoms, see a doctor.

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