About lobular carcinoma of the minor salivary ...
What is lobular carcinoma of the minor salivary ...?
Polymorphous low-grade adenocarcinoma (PLGA) is a rare tumor of the salivary glands that is limited, to a great extent, to the minor salivary glands and commonly, but not exclusively, localized in the palate of the mouth. The major salivary glands are the parotid glands (at the side of the face, below the ears), the sublingual glands (below the tongue), and the submandibular glands (below the lower jaw). As the name suggests, each of the major salivary glands is of substantial size and visible to the naked eye. There are about 600 to 1,000 minor salivary glands that are microscopic in size. These minor salivary glands are found in the lining (mucosa) of the lips, tongue, and hard and soft palate, as well as inside the nose, cheeks, and sinuses.
Less than one (1%) per cent of all cancers reported in the USA are salivary cancers and, of these, 80% begin in the parotid glands, and about 15% begin in the submandibular glands, leaving only 5% that begin in the sublingual and minor salivary glands. Most of the tumors that start in the major salivary glands turn out to be benign, while most, but not all, of the cancers that start in the minor salivary glands turn out to be malignant.
What are the symptoms for lobular carcinoma of the minor salivary ...?
A lump or mass in the palate or near any of the salivary glands should be seen by a physician as soon as possible. A lingering Pain in the area of the salivary glands is a signal to see a physician. A change in the size and/or shape of one of the salivary glands (asymmetry) may be a sufficient reason to see a doctor. Unexplained bleeding in the mouth is also a symptom warranting attention, and any persistent numbness on any part of the face or a weakening of the muscles on one side of the face should be brought to the attention of a physician. Early diagnosis and treatment are important.
What are the causes for lobular carcinoma of the minor salivary ...?
Why a normal cell becomes malignant is not yet fully understood.
What are the treatments for lobular carcinoma of the minor salivary ...?
The primary mode of treatment for low-grade stage I tumors of the salivary gland is surgery (resection). Radiation therapy may be prescribed as a supplement in some cases. Palate rehabilitation may be needed depending on the size of the tumor.
What are the risk factors for lobular carcinoma of the minor salivary ...?
Some risk factors that might raise a person's risk of developing the risk for lobular carcinoma of the minor salivary gland includes
- Aging- Risk of developing salivary gland cancers is found more among aging 55 years or older.
- Exposure to radiation - A person who has undergone radiation therapy near their salivary gland, like the head or neck, for any reason, is at a higher risk.
- Exposure to radioactive substances- Though not yet conclusively proven, some reports suggest that exposure to certain radioactive substances may increase a person's risk for lobular carcinoma of the minor salivary gland.
- Occupational or environmental exposure- People working in the leather or pesticides industry or industries with exposure to sawdust, harmful chemicals, and other industrial solvents are also at a higher risk.
- Other possible risk factors are still under investigation but have not been proven, include exposure to certain metals (nickel alloy dust) or minerals (silica dust), a diet low in vegetables and high in animal fats, and exposure to hair dye or hairspray.