Salivary Glands

The salivary glands, located in the mouth and throat, are responsible for producing saliva to keep your food moist, making it easier to chew and swallow. Saliva also aids in digestion, keeps your teeth from decaying, and contains antibodies that keep your mouth clean and germ-free. Disorders of the salivary glands can interfere with these processes, and lead to a variety of health problems. The salivary glands can become diseased with infection, tumors and salivary stones or calculi.

When the salivary glands become swollen and inflamed, symptoms such as dry mouth, difficulty swallowing, a bad taste in the mouth, pain in the face or mouth, swelling of the jaw and neck, muscle weakness or numbness, and trouble opening your mouth widely can occur.

Salivary Galand Disorders

Disorders of the salivary glands may be related to a variety of factors. Infections such as mumps are common, especially in children. Obstructions that limit the flow of saliva, causing it to build up in the ductal system and cause swelling, may lead to infection and, if left untreated, abscessed glands. Tumors can affect the salivary glands themselves, or other areas nearby such as the palate, mouth, cheeks, or lips. Other disorders affecting these glands include autoimmune diseases, diabetes, and excessive alcohol consumption.

Salivary Gland Treatment

Your doctor will usually take either a medical or surgical approach for treatment of a salivary gland disorder, depending on the underlying cause and its progression. Any abnormal lump or swelling will require a biopsy to rule out the possibility of cancer. If you are diagnosed with a tumor, then surgery, radiation therapy, chemotherapy, or a combination will probably be recommended. Surgery might involve removing a portion or all of the salivary gland, and any cancerous lymph nodes.

Dr. Rosner has performed many successful salivary gland surgeries. Salivary stones, often diagnosed on x-rays, are removed either through the mouth, or sometimes the salivary gland is removed.