salivary gland cancer, a malignant neoplastic disease of a salivary gland, occurring most frequently in a parotid gland. About 75% of tumors that develop in the salivary glands are benign, characteristically slow-growing painless mobile masses that are cystic or rubbery in consistency. In contrast, malignant tumors are rapid-growing, hard, lumpy, fixed, and frequently tender. The most common malignant neoplasms are mucoepidermoid, adenoid cystic, solid, and squamous cell carcinomas. ▪ OBSERVATIONS: Pain, trismus, and facial palsy may occur, but often there are no symptoms. Diagnostic measures include radiographic studies, with sialographic studies and mandibular and chest films to detect metastases, and cytological studies of saliva from Stensen’s duct. ▪ INTERVENTIONS: Treatment usually consists of surgical removal of the lobe containing a benign tumor and total parotidectomy with a radical neck dissection if the lesion is advanced. Radiation and chemotherapy may also be employed. ▪ PATIENT CARE CONSIDERATIONS: Radiotherapy is administered for residual, recurrent, or inoperable cancers, and chemotherapy may be palliative. It is important to encourage follow-up as the malignancy may recur.
