Risk Factors and Symptoms
Though salivary gland cancer is rare, there are certain risk factors that may make some people more susceptible. According to the American Cancer Society, the frequency of this cancer increases as people age, and is also more common in men than women. If other medical treatments have exposed your head or neck to radiation, you may also have an increased risk for this cancer.
The symptoms of salivary gland cancer are usually a gradual swelling or lump in the area of your jaw and neck, explains the Mayo Clinic. You may experience a persistent pain in that area as well. Therefore, most enlargements require investigation. You may also experience numbness, weakness on one side of your face or trouble swallowing or opening your mouth widely.