Signs and Symptoms
The most common sign of a salivary gland tumor is a painless salivary lump or mass. A lump in the area of the ear, cheek, jaw, lip, or inside the mouth mandates consultation with a doctor. Another common symptom is trouble swallowing or opening the mouth widely.
Apart from these common clinical features, there are others that require medical attention:
- Numbness or weakness in the face
- Pain in the face that does not go away
- Fluid draining from the ear
At times salivary gland cancers do not cause any symptoms at all. They may found during a regular dental check-up or physical exam. It should also be noted that the listed clinical features are not specific to salivary gland cancers, i.e. they may be caused by other conditions.
