Signs and Symptoms of Salivary Gland Cancer

Most salivary gland cancers are found because of symptoms they cause, but many of these symptoms can be caused by conditions other than cancer.

General symptoms

The major salivary glands are on each side of the face and below the tongue. The minor salivary glands are in the mouth, nose, and sinuses.

Several important nerves and other structures run through or near the larger major salivary glands. If a tumor affects these nerves or structures, it can cause symptoms.

Possible signs and symptoms of salivary gland cancer include:

• A lump or swelling in your mouth, cheek, jaw, or neck
• A recent difference between the size and/or shape of the left and right sides of your face or neck
• An ulcer in the nose, roof of the mouth, cheek, or lips that doesn’t go away
• Numbness in part of your face
• Weakness of the muscles on one side of your face
• Pain in your mouth, cheek, jaw, ear, or neck that does not go away
• Trouble opening your mouth all the way
• Trouble swallowing

Many of these signs and symptoms can also be caused by benign (noncancerous) salivary gland tumors or by other conditions. Still, if you have any of these problems, it’s important to see your doctor right away so the cause can be found and treated if needed.