Salivary Gland Cancer

Risk Factors

Some of the commonly known risk factors for salivary gland cancer include:

• Age: Although salivary gland cancer may occur in people of all ages, the most commonly affected population is older adults.
• Radiation exposure: The risk of salivary gland cancer is increased by prior exposure to radiation as a part of cancer treatment, especially head and neck cancer.
• Unhealthy lifestyle: People who excessively smoke or drink alcohol are at increased risk for salivary gland tumors.
• Exposure to toxic substances: Certain toxic substances, such as asbestos, chemicals used in rubber manufacturing, silica dust, nickel alloy dust, or radioactive substances, increase the risk of salivary gland tumors.
• Infections: Patients with human papillomavirus infection, HIV, and Epstein-Barr virus have an increased risk of salivary gland cancer.