Salivary gland tumors can arise from the parotid gland (most benign), the submandibular or sublingual gland (equal rate of malignant and benign tumors) and minor salivary glands scattered throughout the mouth and throat (intermediate risk of cancer). Virtually all these tumors, even benign ones, are treated by surgery. Malignant tumors also require postoperative radiation in advanced disease.
Chemotherapy has little to no role in the treatment of most salivary cancers. Long-term surveillance is generally done to evaluate for possible recurrent disease.