Salivary Gland Surgery

Salivary glands are 3 paired structures present around oral cavity-parotid, sublingual and submandibular salivary glands.

Functions of salivary gland to secrete saliva to moisten mouth and to help teeth from decay, to digest food. Saliva drains into mouth through small tubes called ducts. In addition these 3 paired major salivary glands ,600-1000 tiny minor salivary glands are located in lips, inner cheek and the lining of mouth and throat.

What are risk factors for salivary gland diseases?

Factors that increase the risk of infection and stone formation in glands

Dehydration, malnutrition, eating disorders
Recent surgery, chronic illness
Poor oral hygiene and dental caries
Air blowing occupations(trumpet playing, glass blowing)

Risk factors for salivary gland cancers

Radiation exposure
Smoking
Sjögren’s syndrome

What are symptoms of salivary gland disease?

Pain during eating
Swelling below jaw or neck
Swelling front of ear

How is salivary gland disease diagnosed?

An x-ray, CT scan or MRI to look for stones
A fine needle cytology to determine if a tumour is cancer
A sialogram to see if there is stenosis/narrowing of ducts

How is salivary gland disease treated?

Small stones might pass out by simply pressing on it if it is close to duct opening
Deep or large stones are more difficult treat.If they can not removed endoscopically or symptoms of pain or recurrent infections persists,the entire gland may need to be removed
Benign tumors usually require surgical removal.
Malignant or cancers in salivary gland require surgery if possible. Some tumours need surgery only, Others require radiation and chemotherapy in addition to surgery. Radiation and chemotherapy are necessary for tumors that are inoperable.
Infections in salivary glands usually treated with antibiotics.
Abscess in salivary glands needs to drained by surgery.

What are most common surgeries performed for salivary gland disease?

Superficial Parotidectomy and submandibular siadenectomy are most common surgeries performed towards various parotid and submandibular gland pathologies.