Salivary gland tumors can appear in the parotid glands that are located just in front of and below the ears, or in the submandibular glands beneath the jaw. While the majority of parotid gland tumors are benign, they require surgical removal due to cosmetic and other problems caused by their continued growth. Meanwhile, tumors that appear in the submandibular glands have a higher chance of malignancy (close to 50 percent) and are usually treated via surgical resection, sometimes coupled with radiation or chemotherapy. Symptoms of a salivary gland tumor can include ear drainage; pain, weakness or numbness in the face; a painless lump near the ear or jaw; and swallowing problems. A person who has a family history of salivary gland tumors or who has undergone radiation therapy for a head or neck cancer has an elevated risk of developing this condition. Treatment options can include surgical removal, radiation therapy, chemotherapy, lymphadenectomy and clinical trials.
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