Listen to this Patient Power Minute: "Neutron Therapy".

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There are a multitude of salivary glands dotting the inside of our heads, necks, and upper airways. These make the saliva and mucus that moistens our mouths, throats, and nasal passages. There are three pairs of major salivary glands and over 1,000 minor salivary glands, which are clusters of mucus-producing cells. Tumors can occur in any of these glands. Most arise in the parotid gland, which is the largest salivary gland.

This section of our web site is for adults who have been referred to the Seattle Cancer Care Alliance (SCCA) with a diagnosis or presumed diagnosis of a salivary gland tumor. It’s designed to give you information about salivary gland cancer and your treatment options, including neutron therapy.

Neutron therapy is a powerful form of radiation that has proved especially effective against salivary gland tumors. This treatment is available at only three facilities in the United States—including the University of Washington Medical Center, one of SCCA's parent organizations.

These pages will also introduce you to the team of health professionals who will provide your care at SCCA. You will find resources here, too, including guidance on how to find clinical trials and how to get support.

It is important to us that you have all the information you need about your health, your treatment choices, and what to expect after being diagnosed with salivary gland cancer. We hope these pages will help. If you have questions, please ask someone from your health care team to talk with you.

If you would like to make an appointment at SCCA, please call us at (206) 288-SCCA (7222).

June 2006