What are the treatment options for salivary gland tumours?
Treatment is stage- and site-specific, and usually combines superficial or total parotidectomy with identification and preservation of the facial nerve for benign and low-grade tumours, excision of submandibular or minor gland tumours with appropriate margins; avoid simple "shelling out" of a pleomorphic adenoma because of recurrence risk and neck dissection for high-grade, node-positive or advanced malignant tumours. Early-stage disease is generally treated with one modality (surgery or radiotherapy), while locally advanced disease needs combined modality treatment planned by a multidisciplinary team.
In detail
The decision is made by a tumour board including head and neck surgery, radiation oncology, medical oncology, radiology, pathology, dentistry, nutrition and speech/swallow rehabilitation. Functional outcome — speech, swallowing, breathing and appearance — is considered alongside cancer control.
Ask your team explicitly whether the goal is curative, organ-preserving or palliative, and whether a clinical trial is available. NCCN and NCI patient guidelines are a useful checklist for these questions.
- Superficial or total parotidectomy with identification and preservation of the facial nerve for benign and low-grade tumours
- Excision of submandibular or minor gland tumours with appropriate margins; avoid simple "shelling out" of a pleomorphic adenoma because of recurrence risk
- Neck dissection for high-grade, node-positive or advanced malignant tumours
- Adjuvant radiotherapy for high grade, positive margins, perineural invasion, nodal disease or adenoid cystic carcinoma; neutron/proton therapy in selected centres
- Systemic therapy, targeted therapy or clinical trials for unresectable, recurrent or metastatic disease
- Observation of small asymptomatic Warthin tumours in older or high-risk patients may be reasonable
What this means in practice: this answer is part of the “Treatment” section of the Salivary Gland Tumours topic. If you are comparing treatment options, also read how to compare a second opinion and which records to send.
Other common questions about salivary gland tumours
- What is salivary gland tumours?Understanding the disease
- Where in the world is salivary gland tumours most common?Understanding the disease
- What are the risk factors for salivary gland tumours?Prevention & risk
- What are the early signs of salivary gland tumours?Symptoms & diagnosis
- How is salivary gland tumours diagnosed and staged?Symptoms & diagnosis
- What is the prognosis for salivary gland tumours?Prognosis & follow-up
Sources for this answer
- NCCN Guidelines for Patients: Head and Neck Cancers
- Head and Neck Cancers (patient information)
- Global incidence of lip, oral cavity, and pharyngeal cancers by subsite in 2022
- Global Cancer Observatory (GLOBOCAN 2022)
- Nivolumab Risk Management Plan — epidemiological characteristics of SCCHN (GLOBOCAN 2022 summary)
- NCCN Guidelines for Patients: Head and Neck Cancers
Need an opinion on your own case?
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How the pathway works Send an enquiryMedical disclaimer: This knowledge base is general information for people researching head and neck tumours, not a diagnosis or treatment plan. It does not replace an examination by a qualified physician. Survival figures are population averages, not predictions for an individual. Treatment and cost estimates for China are illustrative only and must be confirmed in writing after your records have been reviewed. If you have a symptom lasting more than two to three weeks, see a doctor promptly.