Neck Lumps

Salivary glands are divided into 2 parts being major and minor. Parotid gland, chin gland and sublingual salivary glands include in major salivary glands. There are a number of minor salivary glands inside the mouth, on tongue and palate. The main function of salivary glands is to wet the mouth and secrete salivary gland which has disinfectant impact against microbes and plays a role in digestion. 0.5 -1.5 liters of saliva is secreted during a day from major and minor glands.

Salivary gland diseases is divided into 2 groups benign and malignant. Benign salivary gland diseases are divided into 2 sub – groups which are tumor and not tumor. Diseases that are not tumor include viral and bacterial infections, salivary gland stones (sialolitiasis), and dry mouth.

Benign tumors of salivary glands

70 – 80% of salivary gland tumors parotid tumors. And 80% of these are benign tumors. These tumors emerges at the age of 50 – 70 by weakly growing. Along with objective and radiological examination in diagnosis, needle biopsy can also be needed. Mostly, mixed tumor or tumors which are called pleomorphic adenoma are observed. Mainly, surgical intervention is carried out in all benign tumors. The salivary gland in which there is tumor is removed. If a deep part is not occupied in benign parotid tumors, then only surface portion is taken in the surgery.

Malignant tumors of salivary glands

These tumors comprise 3 – 4 % of head and neck tumors. Though its cause is not known accurately, it is though that virus, radiation, environmental factors and genetic features play a role. These tumors are found mostly 75 – 80 % in parotid gland, 15 -20% in chin glands and rarely, in tongue and minor salivary glands.

The most common ones are mucoepidermoid carcinoma (45%) and adenoid cystic carcinoma (22%). Malignant tumors are grouped as low, medium and high grade according to their clinical course, rate of expansion and structure. The risk of spread to surrounding tissue and lymph glands in the neck and giving remote metastases is higher. The first choice in the treatment of malignant tumors is surgery. Along with tumor, a large part together with normal surrounding tissue is removed. If needed, lymph nodes in the neck are regulated. Radiotherapy or chemical therapy can be used in the treatment in large tumors that have high risk of spreading.