A guide to different types of Salivary Gland Cancers

These are a rare group of cancers. They represent less than 5% of all head and neck malignancies and can also present in other areas of the body, including the windpipe, breast, skin and the vulva.  In the UK, the incidence is 15 per million per year.  Surgery, where possible, followed by radiotherapy is the most common treatment. Supporting research and clinical trials is vital to improve survival and reduce side effects in all patients.

Below you can click on the links/name of the salivary gland cancer/s that you would like more information about.  If there is no information available for the cancer you want to know about then please email [email protected] and we will update the page for you.  

Adenoid Cystic Carcinoma (ACC) is one of the most common of the salivary gland cancers. In the UK, 5 people in every million learn they have the condition every year.

The average age at diagnosis is a decade younger than for all cancer patients.
The primary tumours can start in one of the 3 major salivary glands (which are found in the head) or in the minor salivary glands (found in the head, throat and wind pipe).
ACC tumours can be classified as tubular, cribiform, or solid ACC.
ACC generally metastasizes (spreads from the original tumour site) along the nerves, but can also spread through the bloodstream.
These metastases (secondary growths) are most often found in the lungs, but also occur in the liver and bones.

Other Salivary Gland Cancers:
List is based on World Health Organisation (WHO) 2022 update.

Acinic Cell Carcinoma (AcCC)
Salivary Gland Carcinoma, NOS (Adenocarcinoma)
Salivary Gland Carcinoma, NOS (Adenocarcinoma, NOS)
Basal Cell Adenocarcinoma (BCAC)
Carcinoma ex Pleomorphic Adenoma
Carcinosarcoma of the salivary glands
Epithelial-Myoepithelial Carcinoma
Hyalinising Clear Cell Carcinoma (CCC)
Intraductal Carcinoma
Lymphoepithelial Carcinoma
Microsecretory
Mucinous Adenocarcinoma
Mucoepidermoid Carcinoma (MEC) & Warthin-like MEC
Myoepithlial Carcinoma
Polymorphous Adenocarcinoma
Salivary Duct Carcinoma (SDC) 
Sclerosing microcystic adenocarcinoma
Sebaceous Adenocarcinoma
Secretory Carcinoma (SC)
Sialoblastoma
Squamous Cell Carcinoma

Last updated January 2026