What is Primary Salivary-Gland Type Lung Cancer?
Primary Salivary-Gland Type Lung Cancer is a rare type of tumour that accounts for less than 1% of all lung tumours. This group of tumours originates from salivary gland-type tumours present in the respiratory system and consists of mucin-secreting cells, squamous cells, and intermediate-type cells. These tumours tend to spread to other parts of the body (metastasis).
Causes of Primary Salivary gland Type Lung Cancer
There are certain causes of primary salivary gland type lung cancer, these include cigarette smoking, Current or previous infection with Human papillomavirus, Epstein Barr virus, and Human Immuno-deficiency Virus (HIV). Exposure to certain chemical substances at the workplace may also be a cause for the developing primary salivary gland-type lung cancer.
Sign and symptoms
The patient may suffer from the following signs and symptoms. These are
- Difficulty in breathing while walking, climbing stairs, or doing any routine physical activity
- Wheezing ( continuous appearance of coarse, whistling sound from mouth while breathing)
- Cough
- Obstruction of the airway (Trachea, windpipe)
Diagnosis
The following diagnostic Techniques and procedures can be used to make a diagnosis. These are
- Physical Examination of the nose, throat trachea, bronchi, and chest
- Use of imaging Techniques such as Chest X-ray, CT-scan (Computed tomography scan and MRI (magnetic resonance imaging).
- Bronchoscopy (It is the inner examination of the bronchi and lungs by using a medical instrument named bronchoscope).
- Biopsy: Taking a sample of the lung tissue and sent for cancer tissue examination called histopathology.
Treatment:
The primary treatment for salivary gland tumours of the lung is lobectomy, which involves the surgical removal of the affected lung lobe, or pneumonectomy, the removal of the entire lung.
In advanced metastatic cases where the disease has spread to nearby lymph nodes, surgical removal of the lung along with affected lymph nodes is recommended. For cases where the salivary gland tumour has metastasized to distant parts of the body, Targeted chemotherapy radiation therapy and immunotherapy are the most suitable options.
What support can we give for the Primary Salivary-Gland Type Lung Cancer?
Primary Salivary-Gland Type Lung Cancer is a rare cancer, meaning it is not as well-known as other forms of cancer. Without a Ribbon is an Australian organisation that provides support for individuals who suffer from rare cancers. So, we provide a designated platform for Warriors to obtain information specific to their Rare Cancer. We also provide annual opportunities for our Warriors to meet and learn from each other. If you suffer from rare cancer such as Primary Salivary-Gland Type Lung Cancer, we can help and support you through your journey thanks to the generous donations we receive. Click the link below to sign up and become a Warrior today!
You can help us with your donation:
Without a Ribbon is a charity that works hard to aid those who suffer from rare cancers. You can help our cause in a variety of ways:
Donations — Without a Ribbon are grateful when we receive every donation. Giving to Without a Ribbon helps us to provide ongoing support, organise the annual gathering and subsidise the costs of our Warriors attending these conferences.
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