Cancer Salivary Glands

Salivary gland cancer is a disease in which malignant cells are found in the tissues of the salivary glands. The salivary glands are responsible for production of saliva, fluid poured in her mouth to keep it moist, which helps dissolve food or initiate digestion, and help protect teeth against cavities. We must remember that it is important to drink plenty of water during the day, as dehydration is one of the major risk factors for diseases of the salivary glands.
Treatment
If a tumor is found in the salivary glands, its removal via surgery is recommended. Most masses found in the parotid gland is benign (non cancerous). When surgery is necessary, however, care is needed to avoid damage to the facial nerve within the gland that moves the muscles of the face, including the mouth and eyes.
When malignant masses are found in the parotid gland, it may be possible to remove the tumor and still preserve the facial nerve. Radiation therapy is usually recommended after surgery. This is typically done four to six weeks after the surgical procedure to permit proper healing before irradiation.
Radiotherapy may be accomplished by external machine (radiotherapy) or by placing radioactive particles directly into tumor cells via thin plastic tubes inserted directly into tumors (brachytherapy). A type of radiotherapy using particles called "neutrons" placed in cells has been shown to be effective in treating cancer of the salivary glands. The use of drugs in conjunction with radiotherapy to make cells more susceptible to radiation is being tested in several countries. A third type of treatment, common to many other cancers, chemotherapy is still in the experimental stage.
In fact, the treatment depend on the stage of the disease and its stage of development. High grade tumors growth are usually treated with surgery followed by radiation therapy or radiotherapy alone. Some are still being followed for experimental chemotherapy. If the cancer is already at stage 4, the normal treatment is only radiotherapy alone or accompanied with experimental chemotherapy. The same principles of treatment are recommended for masses found in the submandibular or minor salivary glands in the mouth or upper throat.
Prevention
As little is known of the exact cause, there is no guaranteed way to prevent cancer of the salivary gland. The best that can be done to avoid it is to be careful with the risk factors. Eating a healthy diet, exercising regularly and avoiding tobacco and alcohol are effective ways to minimize risk.
Also, if you do get around nickel alloy powder, silica dust or radioactive substances, be sure to protect yourself against them. And remember that if you suffer any of the symptoms listed in this article, it's worth seeing your doctor sooner it is diagnosed, the better.