Salivary gland problem

Salivary gland disorders occur when a blockage or other problem develops in the small glands that produce saliva. Sophisticated minimally invasive techniques are making it easier to treat.

Salivary gland disorders include inflammatory, bacterial, viral, and neoplastic etiologies. The presentation can be acute, recurrent, or chronic. Acute suppurative sialadenitis presents as rapid-onset pain and swelling and is treated with antibiotics, salivary massage, hydration, and sialagogues such as lemon drops or vitamin C lozenges. Viral etiologies include mumps and human immunodeficiency virus, and treatment is directed at the underlying disease. Recurrent or chronic sialadenitis is more likely to be inflammatory than infectious; examples include recurrent parotitis of childhood and sialolithiasis. Inflammation is commonly caused by an obstruction such as a stone or duct stricture. Management is directed at relieving the obstruction. Benign and malignant tumors can occur in the salivary glands and usually present as a painless solitary neck mass. Diagnosis is made by imaging (e.g., ultrasonography, computed tomography, magnetic resonance imaging) and biopsy (initially with fine-needle aspiration). Overall, most salivary gland tumors are benign and can be treated with surgical excision.

Damaged salivary glands don’t produce enough saliva, which affects taste, chewing, and swallowing. Learn more about causes, symptoms, diagnosis, and treatment.

The most common problems in the salivary gland occur when the ducts become blocked and saliva cannot drain. Among the causes are dehydration, smoking and exposure to radiation. Most salivary tumors are noncancerous. Small blockages may pass without treatment, but severe cases may require the removal of a salivary gland.

Salivary Gland Disorders - Learn about the causes, symptoms, diagnosis & treatment from the Merck Manuals - Medical Consumer Version.

Salivary gland disorders may affect your ability to make saliva. Read about some of the causes of irritated and swollen glands such as mumps.

Your salivary glands produce saliva, which keeps your mouth moist and helps you to digest food and protect your teeth from rapid decay. When the salivary glands are blocked, flow of saliva can stop, which can lead to a dry mouth and discomfort. Read on for other symptoms and treatments for salivary gland disorders.