Treatments for salivary gland cancer
If you have salivary gland cancer, your healthcare team will create a treatment plan just for you. It will be based on your health and specific information about the cancer. When deciding which treatments to offer for salivary gland cancer, your healthcare team will consider
- the stage of the cancer
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the grade of the cancer
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which salivary gland the cancer is in
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your overall health
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your preferences for treatment
You may be offered one or more of the following treatments for salivary gland cancer.
Treatments for stage 1 salivary gland cancer
The main treatment for stage 1 salivary gland cancer is surgery. Learn about treatment options for stage 1 salivary gland cancer.
Treatments for stage 2 salivary gland cancer
Stage 2 salivary gland cancer is treated with surgery and radiation therapy. Learn about treatment options for stage 2 salivary gland cancer.
Treatment of stage 3 salivary gland cancer
Treatment for stage 3 salivary gland cancer depends upon the grade of the cancer. Learn about the treatment options for stage 3 salivary gland tumours.
Treatments for stage 4 salivary gland cancer
Radiation therapy is the main treatment for stage 4 salivary gland cancer. Learn about treatment options for stage 4 salivary gland cancer.
Treatments for recurrent salivary gland cancer
There are no standard treatment options for recurrent salivary gland cancer. Treatments that may be offered include radiation therapy and surgery. Chemotherapy is offered in rare cases.
Surgery for salivary gland cancer
Most people with salivary gland cancer will have surgery to remove all or part of a salivary gland. Learn about the surgeries for salivary tumours.
Radiation therapy for salivary gland cancer
Most people with salivary gland cancer will have radiation therapy, alone or with other treatments. Learn about radiation therapy for salivary tumours.
Chemotherapy for salivary gland cancer
Chemotherapy is rarely used to treat salivary gland cancer, but may be offered with radiation therapy. Learn when chemotherapy may be given.
Targeted therapy for salivary gland cancer
Targeted therapy uses drugs to target specific molecules on cancer cells. Salivary gland cancer is sometimes treated with targeted therapy.
Follow-up after treatment for salivary gland cancer
Follow-up after salivary gland cancer may be shared by your doctor and dentist. Learn about regular appointments and tests that may be done.