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Salivary Gland Tumours · Understanding the disease

What is salivary gland tumours?

Reviewed: 8 November 2026 By: Xiangpeng Liu, MD Topic: Salivary Gland Tumours Answer length: short, citable
Quick answer

Salivary gland tumours are a diverse group of benign and malignant growths in the parotid, submandibular, sublingual and minor salivary glands. They are rare worldwide, with comparatively higher relative rates in parts of Western and Central Africa. Most parotid tumours are benign, but facial nerve weakness, rapid growth or pain suggest malignancy and require specialist surgery.

In detail

Roughly four in five salivary gland tumours arise in the parotid gland in front of the ear, and the majority of those are benign — pleomorphic adenoma and Warthin tumour being the commonest. Tumours of the submandibular and minor salivary glands (for example on the palate) have a higher probability of being malignant, so site is an important part of the assessment.

Salivary gland cancers are unusual among head and neck tumours because histology drives management more than size. Adenoid cystic carcinoma, for instance, grows slowly but tracks along nerves and can recur many years later; mucoepidermoid and salivary duct carcinomas behave quite differently. A core biopsy or expert FNA review is therefore valuable before planning the operation.

What this means in practice: this answer is part of the “Understanding the disease” 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

See all 14 questions in this topic →

Sources for this answer

  1. Global incidence of lip, oral cavity, and pharyngeal cancers by subsite in 2022 CA: A Cancer Journal for Clinicians · 2026 · Subsite-level estimates for 185 countries; the basis of the regional atlas on this site.
  2. Global Cancer Observatory (GLOBOCAN 2022) International Agency for Research on Cancer / WHO · 2022 · Source of worldwide and country-level incidence and mortality estimates.
  3. Nivolumab Risk Management Plan — epidemiological characteristics of SCCHN (GLOBOCAN 2022 summary) European Medicines Agency · 2025 · Reports the combined 947,211 head and neck cancer cases in 2022 and regional ASRs.
  4. NCCN Guidelines for Patients: Head and Neck Cancers National Comprehensive Cancer Network · 2025

Written and medically reviewed by Xiangpeng Liu, MD

Associate Chief Physician, ENT & Head/Neck Surgery · Chenzhou First People’s Hospital, Chenzhou, Hunan, China

Editorial policy & reviewer credentials · All sources

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Medical 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.