.About 7% of all cancers diagnosed in the head and neck region are diagnosed in a salivary gland. Men and women are at equal risk.Mortality from salivary gland tumors in the United States is higher among male African Americans.

The parotids are the salivary glands most often affected by tumors. Yet most of the tumors that grow in the parotid glands are benign, or not cancerous. Approximately 8 out of 10 salivary tumors diagnosed are in a parotid gland.

Salivary gland scans are performed to evaluate the overall function and health of the salivary glands. These scans can help diagnose conditions such as Sjögren's syndrome, salivary gland tumors, and salivary duct obstructions. The scans involve the injection of a radioactive tracer that is taken up by the salivary glands, allowing them to be imaged and assessed for any abnormalities.

Ionizing radiation.is a factor that contributes to tumor development.Another reported risk factor is an association between wood dust inhalation and adenocarcinoma.There seems to be some link between breast cancer and salivary gland tumors.

Sublinguitis is inflammation in the sublingual gland. It can be caused by mumps, a stone in the salivary duct, tumors, and bacterial parotitis.