Adenocarcinoma of the Salivary Gland in Dogs

The salivary gland in dogs are responsible for producing saliva, an important component of digestion. As well as assisting with taste and speech through their role in the production of mucus. The majority of salivary gland tumors are benign. However, adenocarcinoma of the salivary gland represents approximately 7% of all canine tumors and 12-24% of all malignant oral tumors in dogs.

Many dogs with adenocarcinoma of the salivary gland will develop lesions on the skin around their mouths. But the cancer can spread to other parts of the body as well, such as the lungs and lymph nodes. Since there’s no cure for this type of cancer, it’s important to catch and treat it in time to improve your dog’s quality of life while you can. Read on to learn more about adenocarcinoma of the salivary gland in dog.

What is salivary gland adenocarcinoma?

Salivary gland adenocarcinoma is a type of cancer that occurs when there are abnormal cells growing in one or both salivary glands. The most common location for this type of cancer is the submandibular gland (underneath the jaw), followed by the parotid gland (above and behind your ears).

These types of tumors can be either benign or malignant, but it’s important to note that some benign tumors may become malignant if they’re not removed.

What are the signs of salivary gland adenocarcinoma?

The most common sign of salivary gland adenocarcinoma is an enlarged parotid, submandibular, or sublingual gland. Other signs include lethargy, loss of appetite, vomiting and weight loss.

View More: The Surprising Truth About Tumors and Cancers in Guinea Pigs

How is salivary gland adenocarcinoma diagnosed?

Saliva is produce by glands locating on either side of the mouth, call salivary gland in dogs. These glands produce saliva that moistens food and begins to break it down. The cells that line these glands are called epithelial cells. Adenocarcinomas are a type of cancer that can develop from any organ or tissue where epithelial cells are find. Including salivary gland tissues. Adenocarcinomas may also be referred to as adenoacinar carcinomas or acinar cell tumors.

What is the prognosis for dogs with salivary gland adenocarcinoma?

The prognosis for dogs with salivary gland adenocarcinoma depends on the size and location of the tumor. If it is small, there may be only a 50% chance that it will metastasize to other parts of your dog’s body. If it is large, there is an 80% chance that this will happen.

Conclusion

In dogs, salivary gland adenocarcinoma (SGA) accounts for the vast majority of neoplasia of the salivary glands. The true incidence of this disease in the dog is unknown. Because SGA most often occurs in dogs older than 10 years of age and necropsy studies performed on old animals often reveal multiple tumors at various sites. For this reason, SGA must be consider as a differential diagnosis when evaluating dogs with signs of salivary gland disease regardless of the dog’s age at death.