Salivary gland tumor overview
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Salivary gland tumor Microchapters |
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Editor-In-Chief: C. Michael Gibson, M.S., M.D. [1]
Overview
Tumors of the salivary glands (salivary gland neoplasm) are usually benign, but may be malignant. The most common type of benign tumor is pleomorphic adenoma, followed by Warthin's tumor. The most common malignant tumor is mucoepidermoid carcinoma. Eighty percent begin in the parotid gland.[1] Salivary gland cancer is a cancer that forms in tissues of a salivary gland. The salivary glands are classified as major and minor. The major salivary glands consist of the parotid, submandibular, and sublingual glands. The minor glands include small mucus-secreting glands located throughout the palate, nasal and oral cavity.[2] Salivary gland cancer is rare, with 2% of head and neck tumors forming in the salivary glands, the majority in the parotid.[3]