Salivary gland cancers are uncommon tumors that can develop in the major salivary glands or in smaller salivary glands located around the mouth and throat. Because these glands lie close to important nerves and other structures, surgical treatment requires detailed knowledge of head and neck anatomy. Dr. Hitesh R Singhavi is a Consultant Head & Neck Onco-Surgeon with 14+ years of experience in complex cancer surgery and has performed more than 3,000 Head & Neck Cancer surgeries.
The salivary glands include the parotid, submandibular and sublingual glands, along with numerous minor glands present in areas such as the palate and oral cavity. A suspicious lump or swelling does not necessarily mean cancer, as many salivary gland tumors are benign. When malignancy is confirmed, the treatment plan depends on factors such as the gland involved, tumor type, size, location and extent.
Surgical treatment may involve removing the affected portion or the gland containing the tumor. In selected cases, the neck lymph nodes may also need to be assessed or removed as part of cancer treatment.
Salivary malignancies can arise in different locations, including:
The surgical approach is selected according to the individual diagnosis rather than using the same procedure for every patient.
The parotid gland is closely associated with the facial nerve, making surgical planning particularly important when a tumor develops in this region. Depending on the tumor's location and extent, surgery may involve removing part or all of the affected gland while assessing nearby structures.
Tumors arising from the submandibular, sublingual or minor salivary glands require a different surgical approach based on their anatomical location. When cancer extends beyond the gland or involves regional lymph nodes, additional procedures may be considered.
Dr. Hitesh provides Salivary Gland & Thyroid Surgery as part of his Head & Neck Oncology practice, with treatment planned according to the patient's diagnosis and surgical requirements.
Some salivary gland cancers can involve surrounding soft tissues, nerves, bone or lymph nodes. These situations may require more extensive cancer surgery and, in selected cases, reconstruction to address the resulting surgical defect.
Dr. Hitesh's expertise in Neck Surgery and Reconstructive Surgery complements the management of complex head and neck cancers where additional surgical procedures may be required.
Dr. Hitesh R Singhavi has more than 14 years of experience in Head & Neck Oncology and has performed 3,000+ advanced Head & Neck Cancer surgeries. His work also includes academic contributions, with 87+ publications in Head & Neck Cancer till May 2026.
He serves as Section Editor for Head & Neck Cancer at the Indian Journal of Cancer and has participated as faculty, keynote speaker, panelist and session chair at national and international oncology conferences.
His surgical practice covers salivary gland and thyroid surgery alongside oral cancer, neck, oropharyngeal, skull base and sinonasal cancer surgery.
A new or persistent lump around the cheek, jaw or upper neck should be medically assessed rather than assumed to be a salivary gland cancer. Other changes, such as persistent pain, facial weakness or difficulty swallowing, may also warrant specialist evaluation, particularly when they continue or are associated with a known salivary gland mass.
Evaluation may include a clinical examination, imaging and tissue sampling when required. The final treatment plan depends on the findings and the nature of the tumor.
A salivary gland cancer surgeon is a specialist who performs surgical treatment for malignant tumors arising in the salivary glands and manages their relationship with surrounding head and neck structures.
Cancer can develop in the major salivary glands, including the parotid, submandibular and sublingual glands, as well as in minor salivary glands found in areas such as the palate and oral cavity.
No. Many salivary gland tumors are benign. The appropriate evaluation may involve examination, imaging and biopsy or other tissue sampling to determine the nature of the lesion.
Some salivary gland cancers can involve regional lymph nodes. Whether the neck needs surgical treatment depends on the tumor's characteristics, investigations and overall treatment plan.
Dr. Hitesh R Singhavi is a Consultant Head & Neck Onco-Surgeon associated with KIMS Hospital, Thane, with expertise in salivary gland and thyroid surgery and complex Head & Neck Oncology.