Could that persistent swelling in your mouth or neck be more than just a minor issue? Learn how salivary gland tumors can be diagnosed and treated with radiation therapy.
Salivary gland tumors can cause discomfort and concern, but with early detection and the right treatment, most patients have a positive outlook. Radiation therapy plays a significant role in managing tumors that are difficult to surgically remove.
In this blog, Dr. Mukti Mukherjee, a reputed cancer doctor, will focus on how to identify the symptoms of salivary gland tumors, the role of radiation therapy in treating these growths, and when it becomes the best option for patients.
What is Radiation Therapy for Salivary Gland Tumors?
Radiation therapy involves using high-energy rays to target and destroy cancer cells or shrink tumors. In the case of salivary gland tumors, radiation is often used when surgery alone is insufficient or when the tumor is located in a sensitive area that makes complete surgical removal difficult.
For salivary gland tumors, radiation therapy serves several purposes. It can be used as:
- Primary Treatment
In some cases where surgery is not an option due to tumor location or health risks, radiation therapy may be used as the main treatment.
- Adjuvant Treatment
Radiation is often used after surgery to kill any remaining cancer cells that could lead to a recurrence of the tumor.
- Palliative Treatment
In advanced cases, radiation can help shrink tumors, alleviate symptoms like pain or difficulty swallowing, and improve the patient’s quality of life.
The precise delivery of radiation is essential. Doctors use advanced techniques such as Intensity-Modulated Radiation Therapy (IMRT) to focus the radiation on the tumor and spare surrounding healthy tissue as much as possible.
Contact Dr. Mukti Mukherjee, an oncologist, to know which is the most suitable treatment for your condition.
How Do You Detect a Salivary Gland Tumor?
Salivary gland tumors are often found when a person notices unusual symptoms. Some common signs include:
- A Lump or Swelling
The most common symptom is a painless lump or swelling in the jaw, neck, or inside the mouth.
- Pain
If the tumor grows larger, it may cause discomfort or pain in the affected area.
- Difficulty Swallowing
A large tumor can press against the throat or oesophagus, making swallowing difficult.
- Dry Mouth
A tumor in the salivary glands may impair the production of saliva, causing dryness in the mouth.
- Facial Numbness or Weakness
Tumors can sometimes affect the nerves in the face, leading to numbness or weakness.
If you notice any of these symptoms, it’s essential to see a doctor as soon as possible. Early diagnosis and treatment are crucial for the best outcomes.
To confirm the diagnosis, doctors perform a combination of the following tests:
- Physical Exam
The doctor will examine the lump, check for tenderness, and assess other symptoms.
- Imaging Tests
CT scans, MRI scans, and ultrasounds help doctors determine the size, location, and extent of the tumor.
- Biopsy
A small sample of the tumor is taken to check whether it is benign (non-cancerous) or malignant (cancerous).
While benign tumors are common, malignant salivary gland tumors can spread to other parts of the body if not treated.
How Does Radiation Affect the Salivary Glands?
Potential effects of radiation on the salivary glands include:
- Taste Alterations
Some patients may notice that food tastes different or that they have a metallic taste in their mouth.
- Difficulty Swallowing
If the radiation affects the throat area, patients may experience pain or difficulty swallowing.
- Thickened Saliva
Even though the glands produce less saliva, it may become thicker, leading to discomfort.
While these side effects are common, many are temporary and improve over time once treatment ends. To know more, you can consult Dr. Mukti Mukherjee, a renowned oncologist.
Which Salivary Glands Are Most Sensitive to Radiotherapy?
There are three main pairs of salivary glands: the parotid glands, submandibular glands, and sublingual glands. Each of these glands plays a role in saliva production:
- Parotid Glands
Located near the ears, these are the largest salivary glands. They are the most sensitive to radiation and often experience significant damage after radiation therapy.
- Submandibular Glands
Found under the jaw, these glands produce less saliva than the parotid glands but are also vulnerable to radiation.
- Sublingual Glands
Located under the tongue, these glands are the smallest and tend to be less affected by radiation, though they can still be impacted, especially if the treatment area is near the base of the tongue.
Among these, the parotid glands are the most sensitive to radiation, and damage to these glands often leads to dry mouth and other complications.
Can Salivary Glands Be Repaired After Radiation?
Once the salivary glands are damaged by radiation, they don’t fully repair themselves. However, recovery can vary depending on the extent of the damage and the radiation dose received.
In some cases, salivary function may improve over time, especially if the radiation dose is low. For severe cases, the damage may be permanent.
To manage dry mouth and other symptoms, there are several treatments available:
- Saliva Substitutes
These can help keep the mouth moist and improve comfort.
- Medications
Certain medications can stimulate saliva production, though they may not work for everyone.
- Hydration
Drinking plenty of fluids and using saliva-promoting lozenges can help manage symptoms.
In rare cases, surgery may be needed to help repair salivary gland function, but this is usually reserved for severe cases.
How Long for Salivary Glands to Heal After Radiation?
The healing time for salivary glands after radiation varies from person to person. For some individuals, the glands may begin to function better within a few months after treatment.
In others, it can take up to a year or more for any improvement in salivary production.
Unfortunately, for some patients, the damage may be permanent, especially if the radiation dose was high or if both parotid glands were affected. During recovery, it’s important to follow up with the doctor to manage dry mouth and prevent complications.
Find the Best Treatment
Salivary gland tumors can cause discomfort and interfere with oral health, but with early detection and appropriate treatment, they can often be managed successfully. While radiation can cause side effects like dry mouth, these symptoms can often be managed with time.
Consult with the Expert
If you are concerned about salivary gland tumors or need expert advice, book an appointment with Dr. Mukti Mukherjee, a skilled oncologist in Kolkata.