Beyond the parotid glands near your ears, you have salivary glands under your jaw, beneath your tongue, and scattered through your mouth and palate. Tumours can develop in any of these, and while most are benign, the location matters for how they’re evaluated and treated.
Signs Worth Getting Checked
Should You Be Worried?
Slow, gradual growth is typical of a benign tumour, and most salivary gland lumps are exactly that. Tumours in the glands under the jaw carry a somewhat higher chance of being malignant compared to those near the ear, which is one reason any new lump here is worth a specialist evaluation rather than a wait-and-watch approach.
What Raises Your Risk
Most salivary gland tumours occur without a clear identifiable cause. Prior radiation exposure to the head or neck is a known risk factor, and these tumours can occur at any age, though they become somewhat more common later in life.
How It’s Diagnosed
Examination of the lump, its location and how it feels.
Imaging (ultrasound or MRI) to map its relationship to surrounding structures, including nearby nerves.
Needle biopsy to help determine whether it’s likely benign or malignant before surgery.
How It’s Treated
- Surgical removal of the affected gland or tumour is the main treatment, with the extent guided by imaging and biopsy findings.
- Nerve-preserving technique used throughout, since nerves controlling tongue movement and lower lip function run close to these glands.
- For malignant tumours, nearby lymph nodes may also need to be removed, with radiation therapy in some cases afterward.
- Care planned to protect swallowing, speech and facial movement based on the gland involved.
Frequently Asked Questions
Nerve preservation is central to how this surgery is planned, and most patients maintain normal function afterward.
Most are, though tumours in the glands under the jaw have a somewhat higher chance of being malignant than those near the ear, which is why evaluation matters.
Yes, existing scans and biopsy reports can be reviewed remotely for a preliminary opinion before you travel.
Most straightforward cases recover within one to two weeks, with some initial swelling. Your specific timeline is discussed during consultation.
Book Your Salivary Gland Tumour Consultation in Pune
A lump in the jaw or mouth floor deserves a proper diagnosis. Dr. Vidita Powle Danait provides specialist salivary gland tumour evaluation and surgery in Pune.