Salivary Gland Disease
What are the salivary glands?
Most of us have probably never spared a thought for our salivary glands. However, experiencing a salivary gland condition would change that, and make us (painfully) aware of these previously unnoticed body parts!
What do salivary glands do?
The salivary glands produce saliva, which moistens our mouths and helps us to chew, swallow, and start to digest food. Saliva also helps to prevent tooth decay and contains anti microbial chemicals to keep our mouths healthy..
Where are my salivary glands?
You have three main pairs of Major Salivary Glands:
- The parotid glands - The largest salivary glands, the parotids, are found on either side of your face, just in front of your ears. Each parotid drains saliva into your mouth through an opening (called a duct) near your second upper molar tooth.
- The submandibular glands - The submandibular glands are found just below your lower jaws. Each submandibular gland drains into an opening under your tongue just behind your lower front teeth.
- The sublingual glands - The sublingual glands lie underneath your tongue. These glands drain into your mouth by several short ducts on the floor of your mouth.
In addition to the main salivary glands, you also have over 600 minor salivary glands, which help to keep your mouth and throat moist.
What can go wrong with my salivary glands?
Various problems can affect your salivary glands. These include:
- Sialoliths (Salivary gland stones) - Sialoliths are stones that form inside the salivary glands. The cause of these stones is often unknown, but they are sometimes related to dehydration, fasting or the use of medications that reduce saliva production (like antihistamines or antidiuretics). Sialoliths do not always cause symptoms, but if a sialolith blocks a salivary duct, the gland becomes painful and swollen.
- Sialoadenitis (Salivary gland inflammation) - A blocked salivary duct is likely to lead to a bacterial infection of the salivary gland. This is relatively common in elderly or chronically ill adults, but can also occur in young babies. In some cases, sialoadenitis leads to a salivary gland abscess. If left untreated, sialoadenitis could even result in a potentially life-threatening infection.
- Viral infections - Some viral infections, like mumps, can affect the salivary glands.
- Sjögren’s syndrome - This is a chronic autoimmune disorder, where the body attacks the salivary and tear glands, leading to dry mouth and eyes. It is often linked to systemic autoimmune diseases like rheumatoid arthritis or lupus.
- Salivary gland cysts - Cysts are fluid-filled sacs. They can develop in the salivary glands as a result of minor injuries and blockage of the draining ducts. . Some babies are born with salivary gland cysts due to a minor abnormality during foetal development.
- Benign salivary gland growths - Most salivary gland growths are benign or non-cancerous. Common benign growths include pleomorphic adenomas and Warthin’s tumours.
- Salivary gland cancers - Cancers of the salivary glands are rare. When they do occur, these cancers may be linked to Sjögren’s disease, previous radiation, or smoking. Secondary tumours in the parotid glands particularly form skin cancers of the head and neck are actually quite common in Australia, and are treated like malignant salivary gland tumours with surgery and radiotherapy
If you have a problem with your salivary glands, your GP is likely to refer you to Dr McGuinness who is an ENT specialist to provide the care that you need.