Salivary Gland Tumors: Causes, Symptoms, and Treatment
Medically reviewed by Harsha Moole, MD, Internal Medicine. Last reviewed: October 2, 2026.
What kind of doctor treats Salivary Gland Tumors?
An oncologist treats cancer and is often part of the care team for cancerous tumors. A direct primary care doctor or a concierge doctor can be a helpful first stop. These doctors charge a flat monthly fee and can examine a lump, order imaging, and refer you to a specialist.
What is a salivary gland tumor?
A salivary gland tumor is an abnormal growth of cells in one of the glands that make saliva. Saliva keeps your mouth wet and helps you digest food. Most of these growths are not cancer. Doctors call a growth that is not cancer benign, and one that is cancer malignant.
The three main pairs of salivary glands sit near your ears, under your tongue, and under your jaw. The gland near each ear is called the parotid gland, and it is the most common place for these tumors to grow. A tumor happens when cells in a gland divide when they should not and form a lump.
Symptoms
The most common sign is a painless lump near the ear, jaw, lip, or inside the mouth. Other symptoms include numbness or weakness on one side of the face, trouble swallowing, or ongoing pain in one spot.
Causes and who gets it
Doctors do not know exactly what causes these tumors. They are more common in people over 40, and men get them a bit more often than women. Smoking, radiation exposure to the head or neck, and certain workplace chemicals can raise the risk.
How doctors diagnose it
A doctor will examine your mouth, neck, and throat and ask about your symptoms. They may order imaging tests such as an ultrasound, CT scan, or MRI. A biopsy, which removes a small sample of cells from the lump, can show whether the tumor is benign or cancerous.
Treatment
Surgery to remove the tumor is the main treatment for most salivary gland tumors. If the tumor is cancerous, doctors may also recommend radiation therapy. Chemotherapy is used less often, usually for tumors that have spread.
When to see a doctor
See a doctor if you have a lump in your neck, jaw, or mouth that lasts more than two or three weeks. Also seek care for face numbness, face weakness, trouble swallowing, or a lump that keeps getting bigger.
Common questions
Are most salivary gland tumors cancer?
No. Most tumors in the parotid glands, the glands near the ears, are benign, which means they are not cancer. Tumors in the smaller glands inside the mouth are more likely to be cancerous.
Does a salivary gland tumor hurt?
Often it does not. Many tumors first appear as a painless lump. Pain, numbness, or face weakness can happen. These signs should be checked by a doctor.
Can a salivary gland tumor come back after treatment?
Some types can return, even years later. This is why doctors schedule follow up visits after treatment. Benign tumors can also grow back in some cases. Your doctor will tell you how often to be checked.
Is a salivary gland tumor the same as a blocked salivary gland?
No. A blocked gland is often caused by a stone or an infection. It usually causes swelling that comes and goes with meals. A tumor is a growth of cells that does not go away on its own.
Sources
- MedlinePlus - Salivary Gland Cancer
- American Academy of Otolaryngology - Head and Neck Surgery - Contemporary Management of Salivary Gland Disorders
Medical Disclaimer
This content is for general educational and informational purposes only and is not medical advice. It is not a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment, and reading it does not create a doctor-patient relationship. Always seek the advice of your physician or another qualified health provider with any questions about a medical condition, and never disregard or delay seeking professional advice because of something you read here. If you think you may have a medical emergency, call 911 (or your local emergency number) immediately.
