The Silent Signs and Symptoms of Salivary Gland Tumors

Salivary gland tumors are a tricky thing. The symptoms can be so subtle you might not notice them at first. That’s why routine dental visits are so important. If you don’t notice the signs, your dentist in Palmdale, CA, will.

Here’s what you need to know.

The Silent Signs and Symptoms of Salivary Gland Tumors

We’re talking about the symptoms below. You might not notice them (at first). Some of these symptoms could easily be thought of as “no big deal.” Just a minor inconvenience. Slight issues that will probably go away on their own. But guess what? They won’t. So, don’t put off salivary gland testing in Palmdale, CA.

Do you have any of the following symptoms?

• Lumps or Swelling on or in Your Neck, Jaw, or Mouth
• Muscle Weakness on One Side of Your Face
• Trouble Swallowing
• Ongoing Pain Near Your Salivary Glands
• Numbness on One Side of Your Face
• Trouble Opening Your Mouth Widely
• Testing for Salivary Gland Tumors

Your dentist will perform X-rays of your salivary glands. You might also need an ultrasound, MRI, or CT scan to confirm that you do, in fact, have a tumor and to see if it has spread to the lymph nodes in your neck.

Then, a biopsy will be taken. Or the dentist might do a fine needle aspiration. This step will determine if your tumor is benign or malignant. Sometimes, a sialendoscopy will be done to find small tumors that are hard to identify.

Whatever you do, don’t panic! Most salivary gland tumors are slow-growing and noncancerous. Your dentist will help you every step of the way.

Treating Salivary Gland Tumors

If your tumor is benign, your dentist might recommend you have it removed. Removal will prevent the possibility of it becoming malignant later. If your tumor is malignant, your dentist will go over what needs to happen next. Again, don’t panic. Surgery might be necessary. But your dentist is there to help.

Looking for a Reputable Dentist in Palmdale, CA?

If there’s something not quite right on your face or in your mouth, please Contact [practice_name] today to schedule an exam. Our offices are comfortable and tranquil. We have a state-of-the-art facility. And our team is as good as it gets. We’d love to help you get your oral health back to normal.