2. Esophageal Can:cer (Can:cer of the Esophagus)
The esophagus is the tube that carries food from your mouth to your stomach. Esophageal canc:er can make swallowing difficult (a condition called dysphagia), cause pain when eating, and sometimes lead to excess drooling—especially at night. This happens because:
- A tumor narrows the esophagus, preventing saliva from moving down normally
- Acid reflux and irritation increase saliva production
- Your swallowing reflex becomes less effective while sleeping
Other war:ning signs of esophageal can:cer include unexplained weight loss, persistent heartburn, and chest discomfort. While drooling alone doesn’t mean you have can:cer, drooling combined with swallowing difficulties should be checked promptly.
3. Salivary Gland Can:cer
Your salivary glands are responsible for producing saliva. They’re located in and around your mouth and jaw, including the parotid, submandibular, and sublingual glands. Cancer in these glands can disrupt saliva regulation, causing overproduction or changes in saliva texture.
Signs of salivary gland cancer can include:
- Swelling near the jaw or under the ear
- Pain or numbness in part of the face
- Difficulty opening your mouth widely
- Persistent dry mouth or, conversely, excessive drooling
This type of can:cer is rare but should not be ignored, especially if you notice swelling or unusual lumps in the jaw area.
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