Salivary Gland Cancer

1. Salivary Gland Cancer

2. Salivary gland cancer is a rare disease in which
malignant (cancer) cells form in the tissues of the
salivary glands.
 The salivary glands make saliva and release it into the mouth. Saliva
has enzymes that help digest food and antibodies that help protect
against infections of the mouth and throat.
 There are 3 pairs of major salivary glands:
 Parotid glands: These are the largest salivary glands and are found in front of
and just below each ear. Most major salivary gland tumors begin in this gland.
 Sublingual glands: These glands are found under the tongue in the floor of the
mouth.
 Submandibular glands: These glands are found below the jawbone.

3. Anatomy
of the
salivary
glands.

4. Symptoms and signs of
Salivary Gland Cancer
 Include painless lump(s) in the area of the ear, cheek,
jaw, lips, or mouth and/or fluid draining from the ear,
trouble swallowing, difficulty opening the mouth,
numbness or weakness to the face, and/or facial pain.

5. Tests that examine the head, neck, and the
inside of the mouth are used to detect (find)
and diagnose salivary gland cancer.
 Physical exam and history
 MRI (magnetic resonance imaging)
 CT scan (CAT scan)
 PET scan (positron emission tomography scan)
 Endoscopy
 Biopsy

6. Certain factors affect treatment options
and prognosis (chance of recovery).
 The treatment options and prognosis (chance of recovery)
depend on the following:
 The stage of the cancer (especially the size of the tumor).
 The type of salivary gland the cancer is in.
 The type of cancer cells (how they look under a
microscope).
 The patient's age and general health.

7. Adenoid cystic carcinoma (ACC)
 uncommon form of malignant neoplasm that arises within
secretory glands, most commonly the major and minor
salivary glands of the head and neck. Other sites of origin
include the trachea, lacrimal gland, breast, skin, and
vulva.
 Due to its slow growth, ACC has a relatively indolent but
relentless course. Unlike most carcinomas, most patients
with ACC survive for 5 years, only to have tumors recur
and progress.

8. Standard Therapy/Treatment
 Surgical resection
 Postoperative radiotherapy
 Proton Radiation Therapy
 There appears to be no effective chemotherapy

9. Proton Radiation Therapy
 Protons have a physical advantage when it comes to sparing normal tissues
 Protons lose only a small amount of energy when they enter the body
 Their remaining energy is released when they reach the tumor, delivering the
most effective dose of radiation
 Proton beams have no exit dose unlike conventional radiation therapy
 How deeply the radiation penetrates is calculated based on the tumor's
location.

10. I was diagnosed June 30, 2017 with ACC
 My goal is to educate people about ACC and Salivary Gland Cancer
 I underwent scans – MRI and CAT
 I required surgery to remove my right submandibular salivary gland
 I underwent 30 straight days of Proton Therapy Treatment
 I completed treatment October 5
 I still struggle with the side effects from the Proton Therapy
 My oncologist tells me it is not a matter of IF my cancer will return, but WHEN
will it return
 Early detection is the key to surviving ACC.