Salivary Gland Diseases
Salivary gland diseases can result from infections, stone formation, cysts, or tumors in the salivary glands. These diseases typically present with symptoms such as dry mouth, pain, swelling, and reduced saliva flow. Treatment varies depending on the type of disease and may include medication, removal of stones, or surgical intervention.
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Salivary gland diseases encompass issues such as inflammation, infection, stone formation, or tumor development in the salivary glands within the mouth. Salivary glands secrete saliva, which aids digestion and contributes to oral health. There are three main salivary glands: parotid (in front of the ear), submandibular (below the jaw), and sublingual (under the tongue). Diseases in these glands can arise for various reasons.
What are salivary gland diseases?
Salivary gland diseases include salivary gland stones (sialolithiasis), salivary gland infections (sialadenitis), salivary gland cysts, tumors (benign and malignant), and disorders involving excessive or insufficient function of the salivary glands.
What are the symptoms of salivary gland diseases?
Common symptoms include dry mouth, bad taste in the mouth, swelling in the face or neck, reduced saliva production, pain (especially during eating), a hard mass in the mouth or neck, fever, and pus in the mouth.
What is a salivary gland stone and how does it form?
A salivary gland stone forms due to the buildup of minerals from saliva in the salivary ducts. These stones can block the flow of saliva, causing pain and swelling. Stones most commonly form in the submandibular glands.
How do salivary gland infections develop?
Salivary gland infections typically arise from bacterial or viral causes. In cases where saliva flow decreases, bacteria can multiply within the salivary glands, leading to infection. The mumps virus can also affect the salivary glands.
What are salivary gland tumors?
Both benign and malignant tumors can develop in the salivary glands. The most common benign tumor is called “pleomorphic adenoma.” Malignant tumors are rare but can be aggressive in the salivary glands.
How are salivary gland diseases diagnosed?
Diagnosis is made through physical examination, medical history, and evaluation of symptoms, alongside tests such as ultrasonography, magnetic resonance imaging (MRI), computed tomography (CT), salivary gland scintigraphy, or biopsy.
How are salivary gland diseases treated?
Treatment depends on the type of disease. If the salivary gland stone is small, it may be removed through manual massage or methods that increase saliva production. If the stone is large, surgical intervention may be necessary. Infections are treated with antibiotics, while tumors are usually removed surgically. For malignant tumors, additional radiotherapy or chemotherapy may be required.
Can salivary gland diseases be prevented?
To prevent salivary gland stones, it is important to drink plenty of water, maintain oral hygiene, and regularly visit a dentist for oral health check-ups. Avoiding medications that increase the risk of dry mouth can also help.
Can salivary gland stones recur?
Yes, stones may sometimes recur. Even after they are removed, there is a risk of new stone formation in the salivary gland. This may be due to individual predisposition or the functioning of the salivary glands.
Can salivary gland tumors be cancerous?
Tumors can be either benign or malignant. Benign tumors generally grow slowly and can be treated surgically. Malignant (cancerous) tumors can grow quickly and have the potential to spread, so early diagnosis and treatment are essential.
At what ages do salivary gland diseases occur?
Salivary gland diseases can occur at any age; however, stones are more common in middle-aged individuals, while tumors tend to be seen in older adults. Viral infections are more common in children (for example, mumps).
Are salivary gland diseases serious?
Most salivary gland diseases are not serious, but in some cases (such as with malignant tumors), they can lead to severe health issues. Therefore, early diagnosis and treatment are important.
Rating
Anesthesia Type: General
Operation Time: 2-3 Hours
Pain: Mild
Length of hospital stay: 1 night
Recovery Time 7 days
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Take the First Step Now
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Schedule your appointment or online consultation with Prof. Dr. Mustafa Deniz Yılmaz now. Take the first step in your treatment process and let’s begin your journey to recovery together with personalized solutions.