Drooling while sleeping might seem harmless or even a little funny. Many people blame it on sleeping in the wrong position, being overly tired, or having a stuffy nose. In most cases, that’s true—it’s a minor and temporary issue. However, if you find yourself waking up with a wet pillow night after night, and especially if you notice other unusual symptoms, it might be your body sending you an important warning.
In some cases, frequent nighttime drooling can be linked to serious medical conditions, including certain types of cancer. Here are three cancer-related illnesses you should know about.
1. Nasopharyngeal Can:cer (Cancer of the Nasopharynx)
The nasopharynx is the upper part of your throat, located behind your nose. Tumors in this area can cause swelling, blockages, and abnormal mucus production. If cancer develops here, it can lead to symptoms like:
- Persistent nasal congestion or stuffiness
- Frequent nosebleeds
- Ringing in the ears or hearing loss
- A lump in the neck (swollen lymph nodes)
Because the tumor can interfere with normal breathing and swallowing, saliva may build up and escape from the mouth during sleep. If your drooling is accompanied by any of these symptoms—especially neck lumps—don’t delay seeing a doctor.
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.
When to Seek Medical Help
Not every case of drooling is related to can:cer—far from it. Many harmless factors, such as sleeping on your stomach, seasonal allergies, sinus infections, or dental issues, can cause it. However, you should see a healthcare professional if:
- Drooling is persistent and happens most nights
- It’s accompanied by swallowing problems, nasal obstruction, or facial swelling
- You have unexplained weight loss, chronic cough, or blood in saliva
- Early diagnosis can make a significant difference in treatment outcomes for any serious condition, including cancer.
Bottom line:
Occasional drooling is usually nothing to worry about. But if it becomes a regular occurrence—especially if paired with other troubling symptoms—it’s worth getting checked. Your body often whispers before it screams; pay attention to the small signs, and you might catch a problem while it’s still treatable.
