Salivary duct tumors

Alternative names:

tumor - salivary duct

Definition:

A disorder involving abnormal cell growth of the ducts that drain the salivary glands.

Causes, incidence, and risk factors:

The salivary glands are around the mouth. They produce saliva, which moistens food to aid chewing and swallowing. Saliva contains enzymes that begin the digestion process. Saliva also aids in mechanical cleansing of the mouth by washing away bacteria and food particles. Saliva keeps the mouth moist and helps to keep dentures or orthodontic appliances (such as retainers) in place.

There are 3 pairs of salivary glands. The 2 largest are the parotid glands, 1 in each cheek over the angle of the jaw in front of the ears. Two submandibular glands are at the back of the mouth on both sides of the jaw. Two sublingual glands are under the floor of the mouth. All of the salivary glands empty saliva into the mouth through ducts that open at various locations in the mouth.

Salivary duct tumors are rare, especially in children. Swelling of the salivary glands most commonly occurs in response to salivary gland infections, salivary duct stones, and conditions elsewhere in the body such as hepatic (liver) cirrhosis, sarcoidosis, abdominal surgery, neoplasm (cancer), and infections in the body.

The most common type of salivary duct tumor is a slow growing tumor of the parotid gland, caused by an abnormal rate of cell growth. It is usually a benign and self-contained growth that gradually increases the size of the gland. It occasionally becomes malignant (cancerous), usually a carcinoma.