A risk factor is anything that increases a person’s chance of developing cancer. There are risk factors that can be controlled, such as smoking, and risk factors that cannot be controlled, such as age and family history. Although risk factors can influence the development of cancer, most do not directly cause cancer. Some people with several risk factors never develop cancer, while others with no known risk factors do. However, knowing your risk factors and communicating them to your doctor may help you make more informed lifestyle and health care choices.
The cause(s) of most salivary gland cancers are unknown, but risk factors may include:
Radiation exposure. Radiation to the head or neck for other medical reasons may increase the risk of salivary gland cancer.
Radioactive substance exposure. In some reports, exposure to certain radioactive substances has been linked to an increased risk salivary gland cancer; in other reports, there is not enough evidence to support this. Talk with your doctor for more information.
Environmental/occupational exposure. Exposure to sawdust and chemicals used in the leather industry, pesticides, and some industrial solvents may increase the risk of a type of salivary gland cancer that occurs in the nose and sinuses.
Other possible risk factors that doctors are investigating but have not proven include exposure to certain metals (nickel alloy dust) or minerals (silica dust), a diet low in vegetables and high in animal fats, and exposure to hair dye or hairspray.
There is no known way to prevent salivary gland cancer.
Last Updated: October 30, 2009
