Salivary gland tumors are a diverse group of tumors that exhibit a wide range of biologic characteristics, from entirely benign tumors to high-grade cancers. Also, because of the substantial morphologic overlap that is present in salivary gland tumors, it is frequently not possible to make a firm diagnosis without examining the entire tumor. In a number of human disorders, including cancer, autophagy is crucial in the control of signaling pathways that lead to survival and death. In the development of cancer, autophagy has two faces. Activation of autophagy works as a tumor suppressor by destroying damaged organelles and other cellular components. While cancer cells may use this system as a pro-survival strategy to produce nutrients and energy during periods of starvation, hypoxia, and stress induced by chemotherapy.