About Cancer
Salivary gland cancer is a rare type of head and neck cancer. It can start in any of the glands that make spit (saliva). We have 3 major pairs of salivary glands and over 600 smaller salivary glands throughout the mouth and throat. Most tumours that start in the salivary glands are non cancerous (benign) but some are cancerous.
There are several different salivary glands inside and near your mouth. Salivary glands make spit (saliva). Saliva helps us to:
keep our mouth and throat moist
swallow food
digest food
protect against infections in the mouth and throat
protect our teeth
There are two main types of salivary glands called the:
major salivary glands
minor salivary glands
We have 3 main pairs of major salivary glands, the:
parotid glands – just under the lobes of your ears
sublingual glands – under your tongue
submandibular glands – under each side of your jawbone
As well as the 3 major pairs of salivary glands we have over 600 smaller, minor salivary glands throughout the lining of the mouth and throat.
There are a number of different types of cells in the salivary glands. Cancer can start in any of these cells.
Your exact type of salivary gland cancer will depend on which cell type your cancer started in.
Read more about different types
Salivary gland cancer is a very rare cancer. Around 760 people are diagnosed with salivary gland cancer in the UK every year. It is slightly more common in men than women. We don’t know what causes salivary gland cancer but several factors can increase your risk.
Find out about the causes and risks of salivary gland cancer
The most common symptom of salivary gland cancer is a swelling on the side of the face, just in front of the ear or under the jawbone.
Your risk of salivary gland cancer increases with age. Radiation treatment to the head and neck area can also increase your risk.
You usually start by seeing your GP. They ask you about your general health and symptoms. They will examine you and might arrange for tests.
You will have tests to check for salivary gland cancer. You might not need all of these tests. It will depend on your individual situation.
The type of salivary gland cancer means the type of cell the cancer started in. Mucoepidermoid carcinomas are the most common type of salivary gland cancer.
The stage of a cancer tells you how big it is and whether it has spread. The TNM staging system is used to stage salivary gland cancer.
Treatment for salivary gland cancer depends on where the cancer is, the size, whether it has spread anywhere else and your health.
Find out about the latest UK research looking at salivary gland cancer as well as information about clinical trials.
Last reviewed: 07 Apr 2026
Next review due: 07 Apr 2029
This section has been written, reviewed and updated by Cancer Research UK’s Patient Information Web Team. Thanks to the expert medical professionals and people affected by cancer who have helped to review this information.
Professor Christopher Nutting (Consultant Clinical Oncologist)
Our lay reviewers
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