Salivary gland cancer is a rare form of cancer that occurs in one of the salivary glands in your mouth, neck or throat.             The cause of salivary gland cancer is not clear, although exposure to radiation, use of tobacco and a family history of salivary gland cancer may increase your risk.             Because predicting who will get salivary gland cancer can be difficult, be sure to pay attention to possible signs and symptoms, such as a painless lump. If you develop a lump or mass on or near your jaw or in your neck or mouth, see your doctor.                     Symptoms              Salivary gland cancer is often painless in its early stages. A common sign is a lump, mass or swelling in the area of a salivary gland. Just because you have a lump in the area of a salivary gland, however, doesn't necessarily mean you have cancer. More than half the tumors found in the salivary glands are noncancerous (benign).            Signs and symptoms that may indicate salivary gland cancer and a need to see your doctor include the following:                 A lump or swelling on or near your jaw or in your neck or mouth Numbness in part of your face Muscle weakness on one side of your face  Persistent pain in the area of a salivary gland Difficulty swallowing Trouble opening your mouth widely A newly developed, noticeable difference in size between the right and left side of your face [ Back ]