The salivary glands produce saliva, the fluid that is released into the mouth to keep it moist. Saliva contains enzymes that begin the process of breaking down food, as well as substances that help prevent infections of the mouth and throat. Salivary cancer is rare, accounting for only 4 percent of all head and neck cancers.
Major clusters of salivary glands are found below the tongue, on the sides of the face just in front of the ears and under the jawbone. Most salivary gland tumors begin in the largest of the salivary glands, the parotid glands, found on either side of the face in front of the ears, and the submandibular glands under the jawbone.
Smaller clusters of salivary glands are found in parts of the upper digestive tract. These are called the minor salivary glands. Cancers may develop in the minor salivary glands located throughout the mucosal lining of the oral cavity and oropharynx. There are several types of minor salivary gland cancers, including adenoid cystic carcinoma, mucoepidermoid carcinoma and polymorphous low-grade adenocarcinoma.
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