In addition, 600-1,000 small glands (minor salivary glands) can be found in the lips, inner cheek, and mouth and throat lining. When the ducts of the salivary gland get blocked and saliva cannot drain, the most common complications develop.
Types of salivary gland diseases
Your salivary glands might be affected by a variety of disorders which include:
- Sialolithiasis is a disorder in which the glands generate small salivary stones. Calcium is used to make stones, which are known as sialoliths.
- Sialadenitis is a type of infection that affects the salivary gland. It is frequently caused by stones obstructing the gland. This infection is caused by the bacteria staph or strep.
- Viral Infections such as mumps, influenza, Coxsackie viruses, echovirus, and cytomegalovirus (CMV) can all cause the salivary glands to swell.
- Cysts: after injuries, infections, stones, or cysts can develop in the salivary glands.
- Tumours
- Warthin's tumour is the parotid gland's second most common benign tumour. It occurs more frequently in older males.
- Cancerous (malignant) tumour: salivary gland cancer is a rare occurrence. When it does happen, it usually affects people in their 50s and 60s.
- Pleomorphic adenomas are the most prevalent type of parotid tumour. It is slow-growing and non-harmful.
- Sjögren's syndrome is a chronic illness. On occasion, white blood cells assault moisture-producing glands such as salivary glands, tear-producing glands, and sweat and oil glands.
- Sialadenosis is an enlargement of the salivary gland that is painless and has no recognised cause. The parotid gland is usually the one that gets impacted.
Treatment for salivary gland diseases
There are multiple treatment courses for salivary gland diseases, and these can include:
- Small stones may pass through the duct without being treated.
- The entire salivary gland may need to be removed if the deep or large stones cannot be removed and symptoms of pain or infection continue.
- Bacterial infections necessitate the use of antibiotics as well as more fluids, either orally or intravenously. The infected gland is treated with warm compresses. Prescription drugs can assist in alleviating dry mouth.
- Small cysts may drain on their own. Large cysts may require surgery.
- The parotid gland, the most significant salivary gland, is removed during parotidectomy. A tumour, a chronic infection, or a blocked saliva gland are the most common reasons for removing the parotoid. Most parotid gland tumours are benign.
- Chronic infections, stones, and tumours in the submandibular gland are treated with a submandibular sialoadenectomy. Because submandibular gland tumours are frequently malignant, the entire gland must be removed.
FAQ
1When is salivary gland surgery indicated?
The gland may need to be removed because of an infection, a tumour, or a clogged saliva duct.
2How long does recovery take?
It usually takes between one and two weeks to recover from this surgery. Even if the facial nerves are carefully preserved, a slight facial paralysis called neuropraxia, can take several weeks to recover.
3How long does salivary gland surgery take?
The procedure usually takes longer than expected. It is important to preserve the essential nerve supply to the face, and a parotidectomy can take 3 to 4 hours. Although the surgery is not major in terms of physical impact on the patient, it needs to be done with exceptional attention to preserving the nerve supply to the face and needs an extended anaesthetic. Patients usually get discharged on day one or two after surgery. The drain is placed in the surgical area and is removed before discharge.