Salivary Gland Lumps

Salivary gland lumps may present with various symptoms, including:

• Visible Lump or Swelling: Lumps that grow in size or do not go away after 2-3 weeks. The location of the lump may indicate which salivary gland is affected:
  • Swelling or lump at the sides of the lower cheek for parotid lumps
  • Swelling or lump under the jaw for submandibular lumps
  • Growth under the tongue for sublingual lumps
• Pain: Typically felt near the salivary gland, it can be constant or come and go. The pain may worsen during eating or chewing and, at times, can spread to the ears.
• Dry Mouth: Caused by decreased saliva production when the salivary ducts are blocked.
• Difficulty Swallowing or Opening the Mouth: Depends on the lump’s location and size.
• Facial Numbness or Weakness: This could happen if the lump presses on nearby nerves, more commonly associated with malignant tumours.

Depending on the cause of your lump, certain symptoms may become more noticeable. For instance, if your lump is caused by an infection or obstruction in the salivary duct, you are likely to experience more pain. This is because the blockage builds up pressure, causing discomfort in the affected area. In the case of tumours, symptoms may not always be obvious. Benign tumours, especially pleomorphic adenomas, are slow-growing and may not cause significant discomfort. They often appear as painless lumps in the jaw, mouth, or throat. In contrast, malignant tumours may grow more rapidly, become harder, and occasionally cause pain.

However, these patterns are not definitive indicators of the cause of a salivary gland lump. Do not delay seeking treatment if you experience any of the above symptoms. Promptly schedule a consultation with a head and neck surgeon. With a proper diagnosis, your surgeon can recommend an appropriate treatment plan.