# What is a salivary gland tumour? Causes and symptoms

> What a salivary gland tumour is, whether it is serious, what causes it and its first signs: a short, plain-language guide to tumours that are mostly benign.

Source: https://www.profaysenurmerichafiz.com/blog/salivary-gland-tumour-causes-and-symptoms/  
Updated: 2026-09-30

Blog · [Salivary glands](https://www.profaysenurmerichafiz.com/blog/#salivary)

By: [Prof. Dr. Ayşenur Meriç Hafız](https://www.profaysenurmerichafiz.com/about/) · Translated from the original Turkish article.

Diagram The first sign of a salivary gland tumour is most often a lump in front of the ear or under the jaw that does not hurt.

Salivary gland tumours are abnormal cells growing in a salivary gland or in the tubes (ducts) that drain the glands. Salivary gland tumours can be non-cancerous (benign) or cancerous (malignant). Although most salivary gland tumours are benign, some are malignant.

## Are they serious?

Most salivary gland tumours are benign, meaning they are not cancer and do not spread to other parts of the body. These tumours are almost never life-threatening. There are many types of benign salivary gland tumour, known by names such as pleomorphic adenoma, oncocytoma and Warthin tumour.

## Causes

A few risk factors are known to increase a person’s likelihood of developing a benign or malignant salivary gland tumour. These risk factors include older age, smoking, exposure to radiation, certain viral infections and excessive mobile phone use. Nevertheless, most salivary gland tumours begin without a clear cause.

## Symptoms

A lump or swelling in the area of your salivary gland is the most common sign of a salivary gland tumour, but it does not mean that you have cancer. Many common causes, such as an infection or a stone in the salivary gland duct, can also cause your salivary gland to swell and become painful.

The signs and symptoms of a salivary gland tumour may include:

- A lump or swelling on your jaw, in your cheek, below your ear or in your neck
- Numbness in part of your face
- Muscle weakness on one side of your face
- Pain in front of and below the ear
- Trouble opening your mouth wide
- A lump or swelling in your mouth, cheek, jaw or neck
- Persistent pain in the mouth, cheek, jaw, ear or neck

[Read more in Treatment areasSalivary Gland Tumours: An Overview](https://www.profaysenurmerichafiz.com/treatments/salivary-glands/salivary-gland-tumours/)

The outcomes of surgical and medical procedures vary from person to person; consult your doctor for an assessment specific to you.

## More on this topic

- [Salivary gland tumours: diagnosis, treatment and the risks of surgery](https://www.profaysenurmerichafiz.com/blog/treatment-of-salivary-gland-tumours/)
- [Will I get facial paralysis after salivary gland surgery?](https://www.profaysenurmerichafiz.com/blog/facial-paralysis-after-salivary-gland-surgery/)
- [Why does a salivary gland swell?](https://www.profaysenurmerichafiz.com/blog/why-does-a-salivary-gland-swell/)

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