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There are different types of treatment for children and adolescents with salivary gland tumors. You and your child's care team will work together to decide treatment. Many factors will be considered, such as your child's overall health and whether the tumor is newly diagnosed or has come back.

Your child's treatment plan will include information about the tumor, the goals of treatment, treatment options, and the possible side effects. It will be helpful to talk with your child’s care team before treatment begins about what to expect. For help every step of the way, see our booklet, Children with Cancer: A Guide for Parents.

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Children with Cancer: A Guide for Parents

Treatment of salivary gland tumors may include:

Surgery to remove salivary gland tumors or salivary gland cancer is the most common treatment. If the parotid gland is removed during surgery, special care must be taken to avoid damage to the facial nerve. Learn more about Surgery to Treat Cancer.

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Radiation therapy may be given after surgery for salivary gland cancer. Radiation therapy uses high-energy x-rays or other types of radiation to kill cancer cells or keep them from growing. Salivary gland cancer may be treated with external beam radiation therapy or internal radiation therapy if the cancer is likely to spread. Learn more about Radiation Therapy to Treat Cancer and Radiation Therapy Side Effects.

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Radiation therapy may be given after surgery for salivary gland cancer. Radiation therapy uses high-energy x-rays or other types of radiation to kill cancer cells or keep them from growing. Salivary gland cancer may be treated with external beam radiation therapy or internal radiation therapy if the cancer is likely to spread. Learn more about Radiation Therapy to Treat Cancer and Radiation Therapy Side Effects.

External beam radiation therapy uses a machine outside the body to send radiation toward the area of the body with cancer.

Radiation therapy may be given after surgery for salivary gland cancer. Radiation therapy uses high-energy x-rays or other types of radiation to kill cancer cells or keep them from growing. Salivary gland cancer may be treated with external beam radiation therapy or internal radiation therapy if the cancer is likely to spread. Learn more about Radiation Therapy to Treat Cancer and Radiation Therapy Side Effects.

Internal radiation therapy, also called brachytherapy, uses a radioactive substance sealed in needles, seeds, wires, or catheters that are placed directly into or near the cancer.

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Targeted therapy (entrectinib or larotrectinib) may be used to treat recurrent childhood salivary gland cancer. Recurrent salivary gland cancer is cancer that has come back after it has been treated. Targeted therapy uses drugs or other substances to block the action of specific enzymes, proteins, or other molecules involved in the growth and spread of cancer cells. The doctor may suggest biomarker tests to help predict your child's response to certain targeted therapy drugs. Learn more about Biomarker Testing for Cancer Treatment and Targeted Therapy to Treat Cancer.

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