There are four kinds of salivary glands. There are benign and malignant tumors of these glands. However, some benign tumor growth can be aggressive and the surgery needed to control them may resemble that needed for malignant tumors of the same gland. There are at least six kinds of malignant tumors and about the same number of benign ones.
Treatment is different for each kind of tumor.
The most common site of malignant tumors is the parotid glands. The most common site of tumors of the minor salivary glands is in the palate. These tumors can occur anywhere in the mouth, pharynx, larynx, or paranasal sinuses. Increased incidence is also associated with previous radiation exposure to the head and neck. In the 1930s, 1940s, 1950s, radiotherapy was used to treat acne and other conditions.