Salivary gland cancer is a rare type of cancer that begins in the salivary glands, which are responsible for producing saliva. There are three main types of salivary glands: parotid glands, sublingual glands, and submandibular glands. This type of cancer can develop in any of these glands.
There are various risk factors that can increase the likelihood of developing salivary gland cancer, including exposure to radiation therapy to the head and neck area, certain genetic conditions, older age, and certain occupational exposures.