Does salivary gland cancer cause a neck lump?

Salivary gland cancer may cause a firm swelling near the cheek, jaw, under the chin or upper neck, depending on which gland is affected. Pain, facial weakness, numbness, difficulty opening the mouth, trouble swallowing or a change in saliva can also occur. A lump may instead reflect infection, a blocked gland, a cyst or an enlarged lymph node. Its feel or location cannot establish the cause, so examination is needed rather than guessing from the symptom alone.

Arrange an assessment if a neck lump persists, grows, feels fixed or comes with facial symptoms, swallowing difficulty or unexplained weight change. A clinician may examine the mouth, throat, salivary glands and lymph nodes, then choose imaging or a needle sample if needed. Bring details about when it appeared, whether it changes with meals, and any recent infection or dental problem.

Get urgent help for difficulty breathing, inability to swallow saliva, rapidly increasing swelling, severe pain, high fever or new facial weakness. Prompt review is also appropriate for a persistent lump with bleeding, voice change or progressive numbness.

Where is the lump located, and which structures could cause it? Do I need imaging or a needle sample? What symptoms should make me return sooner? If a salivary gland problem is found, which specialist should coordinate my care?