Salivary Gland Tumours
Salivary Gland Tumours: an Overview
Most salivary gland tumours are benign, yet they need assessment because they keep growing. The first sign is usually a lump in front of the ear or under the jaw.
What is a salivary gland tumour?
Salivary gland tumours are abnormal cells growing in the gland itself or in the ducts that drain it. Most are benign; pleomorphic adenoma, oncocytoma and Warthin tumour are the familiar names. Benign tumours almost never threaten life, but they keep growing slowly, so they are rarely left untreated.
The first sign is usually a lump over the jaw, in the cheek, under the ear or in the neck. Numbness in part of the face, weakness on one side, pain in front of the ear or trouble opening the mouth wide can also occur. Any of these, if persisting, deserves an examination.
How the diagnosis is made
Ultrasound comes first, with MRI added where needed. These two scans usually give strong evidence of whether the lump is benign or malignant. When the answer is still unclear, a fine-needle biopsy is taken under ultrasound guidance.
With the results in hand, your options are discussed openly. If surgery is advised, you will know why, what it involves and how recovery unfolds.
Read the full Salivary Gland Tumours guide
Frequently asked questions
Most are benign: not cancer, and they do not spread. These tumours almost never threaten life. They do keep growing, though, which is why assessment and usually planned surgery are advised.
Medically reviewed by Prof. Dr. Ayşenur Meriç Hafız, Professor of ENT and Head & Neck Surgery — August 2026 · About
Outcomes of surgical and medical procedures vary from person to person; please consult your physician for an assessment specific to you.
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