Salivary Gland Cancer

Salivary gland cancer is a rare cancer that forms in the tissues of the salivary glands. There are three pairs of major salivary glands with the largest located near the ears, another under the tongue, and the last one below the jawbone. Additionally, there are hundreds of small minor salivary glands in the mouth, nose, and larynx. More than half of all salivary gland tumors are benign and do not spread to other tissues.

Salivary gland cancer is a type of head and neck cancer, which also includes cancers of the oral cavity, pharynx (throat), larynx (voice box), paranasal sinuses, and nasal cavity. About 72,680 cases of head and neck cancer were estimated to be diagnosed in the United States in 2025, and about 16,680 deaths were estimated to occur, according to the National Cancer Institute. Salivary gland cancers account for about 3% to 5% of all head and neck cancers in the United States.

Being exposed to certain types of radiation therapy during treatment to the head and neck may increase the risk of salivary cancer. Other risk factors include older age and exposure to certain substances at work.

Salivary Gland Cancer Treatment (Adult) (PDQ®)

Source: National Cancer Institute