Salivary gland cancer may not cause any symptoms. It is sometimes found during a regular dental check-up or physical exam. Symptoms caused by salivary gland cancer also may be caused by other conditions. Symptoms specific or more common to a particular type of salivary gland cancer are mentioned in the descriptions of each type of cancer, listed above. A doctor should be consulted if any of the following problems occur:

• A lump (usually painless) in the area of the ear, cheek, jaw, lip or inside the mouth
• Fluid draining from the ear
• Trouble swallowing or opening the mouth widely
• Numbness or weakness in the face
• Pain in the face that does not go away