Overview
Squamous cell carcinoma of the salivary glands is a rare type of cancer that starts in the salivary glands — the glands in and around your mouth and throat that make saliva. In this condition, flat, scale-like cells called squamous cells grow out of control inside the salivary gland tissue. The salivary glands include the parotid glands (near your ears), the submandibular glands (under your jaw), and the sublingual glands (under your tongue). This cancer can also affect smaller salivary glands scattered throughout the mouth and throat. It is worth knowing that this condition is listed as 'obsolete' in the Orphanet rare disease database, meaning it has been reclassified or merged into a broader category of salivary gland cancers. It may also be referred to as squamous cell carcinoma of salivary gland tissue or primary squamous cell carcinoma of the salivary glands. This distinguishes it from cancers that spread to the salivary glands from nearby skin or throat tissues. Symptoms often include a lump or swelling near the jaw or ear, pain in the face or mouth, difficulty swallowing, and sometimes facial weakness. Treatment typically involves surgery to remove the tumor, often combined with radiation therapy. Chemotherapy may be used in advanced cases. Because this is a rare and aggressive cancer, care at a specialized head and neck cancer center is strongly recommended.
Key symptoms:
A lump or swelling near the jaw, ear, or neckPain or tenderness in the face, mouth, or jawDifficulty swallowing or opening the mouth fullyNumbness or weakness in part of the faceA sore or ulcer in the mouth that does not healFluid draining from the earHoarse or changed voiceUnexplained weight lossEnlarged lymph nodes in the neck
Sporadic
Usually appears on its own, not inherited from a parent
Adult
Begins in adulthood (age 18 or older)
Treatments
No FDA-approved treatments are currently listed for OBSOLETE: Squamous cell carcinoma of salivary glands.
View clinical trials →Clinical Trials
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Specialists
View all specialists →No specialists are currently listed for OBSOLETE: Squamous cell carcinoma of salivary glands.
Treatment Centers
8 centersBaylor College of Medicine Rare Disease Center ↗
Baylor College of Medicine
📍 Houston, TX
🏥 NORDStanford Medicine Rare Disease Center ↗
Stanford Medicine
📍 Stanford, CA
🔬 UDNNIH Clinical Center Undiagnosed Diseases Program ↗
National Institutes of Health
📍 Bethesda, MD
🔬 UDNUCLA UDN Clinical Site ↗
UCLA Health
📍 Los Angeles, CA
🔬 UDNBaylor College of Medicine UDN Clinical Site ↗
Baylor College of Medicine
📍 Houston, TX
🔬 UDNHarvard/MGH UDN Clinical Site ↗
Massachusetts General Hospital
📍 Boston, MA
🏥 NORDMayo Clinic Center for Individualized Medicine ↗
Mayo Clinic
📍 Rochester, MN
👤 Mayo Clinic Center for Individualized Medicine
🏥 NORDUCLA Rare Disease Day Program ↗
UCLA Health
📍 Los Angeles, CA
Travel Grants
No travel grants are currently matched to OBSOLETE: Squamous cell carcinoma of salivary glands.
Community
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Caregiver Resources
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Mental Health Support
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Family & Caregiver Grants
Financial assistance programs specifically for caregivers of rare disease patients.
Social Security Disability
Learn how rare disease patients may qualify for SSDI/SSI benefits.
Questions for your doctor
Bring these to your next appointment
- Q1.What stage is my cancer and has it spread to nearby lymph nodes or other parts of the body?,What is the recommended treatment plan and what are the goals — cure or control?,Are there any clinical trials I might be eligible for?,What side effects should I expect from surgery and radiation, and how can they be managed?,Will I need speech therapy or swallowing rehabilitation after treatment?,How often will I need follow-up scans and check-ups after treatment?,Should I seek a second opinion at a specialized head and neck cancer center?
Common questions about OBSOLETE: Squamous cell carcinoma of salivary glands
What is OBSOLETE: Squamous cell carcinoma of salivary glands?
Squamous cell carcinoma of the salivary glands is a rare type of cancer that starts in the salivary glands — the glands in and around your mouth and throat that make saliva. In this condition, flat, scale-like cells called squamous cells grow out of control inside the salivary gland tissue. The salivary glands include the parotid glands (near your ears), the submandibular glands (under your jaw), and the sublingual glands (under your tongue). This cancer can also affect smaller salivary glands scattered throughout the mouth and throat. It is worth knowing that this condition is listed as 'obs
How is OBSOLETE: Squamous cell carcinoma of salivary glands inherited?
OBSOLETE: Squamous cell carcinoma of salivary glands follows a sporadic inheritance pattern. Genetic counseling can help families understand recurrence risk and testing options.
At what age does OBSOLETE: Squamous cell carcinoma of salivary glands typically begin?
Typical onset of OBSOLETE: Squamous cell carcinoma of salivary glands is adult. Age of onset can vary across affected individuals.