Salivary Gland Surgery
Salivary gland surgery is a specialised field that focuses on the diagnosis, treatment and surgical management of conditions affecting the salivary glands. The salivary glands produce saliva, which is essential for the lubrication and digestion of food. Surgery may be necessary to address various conditions that affect the salivary glands, including tumours, stones and infections.
Common salivary gland surgery conditions, causes, symptoms and treatment options are outlined below.
- Causes: Calcium deposits in the salivary ducts, dehydration, certain medications.
- Symptoms: Swelling, pain, tenderness, difficulty opening the mouth, dry mouth.
- Treatment options: Salivary gland massage, warm compresses, sialendoscopy (endoscopic removal of stones), surgical removal of stones.
- Causes: Bacterial or viral infections, obstruction of salivary ducts.
- Symptoms: Swelling, pain, redness, fever, pus drainage.
- Treatment options: Antibiotics, warm compresses, adequate hydration, sialendoscopy, surgical drainage or excision of infected gland.
- Causes: The exact causes are often unknown, but certain genetic factors and radiation exposure may play a role.
- Symptoms: Painless swelling or mass in the salivary glands, facial nerve weakness (in some cases).
- Treatment options: Surgical removal of the tumour (partial or total gland excision), radiation therapy (in some cases).
- Causes: Genetic mutations, exposure to radiation.
- Symptoms: Painless swelling or mass in the salivary glands, facial nerve weakness, pain.
- Treatment options: Surgical removal of the tumour (partial or total gland excision), neck dissection, radiation therapy, chemotherapy.
- Causes: Scar tissue formation, trauma, previous surgeries, inflammation.
- Symptoms: Difficulty with saliva flow, swelling, pain during meals.
- Treatment options: Salivary gland dilation, stenting, surgical reconstruction.
- Causes: Trauma, infections, surgical complications.
- Symptoms: Persistent saliva leakage from the duct opening, swelling, pain.
- Treatment options: Conservative management (antibiotics, compression, drainage), surgical repair.
- Causes: Bacterial infection, blockage of salivary ducts.
- Symptoms: Swelling, pain, redness, fever, dry mouth.
- Treatment options: Antibiotics, warm compresses, hydration, sialendoscopy, surgical drainage.
It’s important to note that this is not an exhaustive list, and other salivary gland conditions exist. The treatment options vary depending on the specific condition and its severity. Consultation with a qualified salivary gland surgeon or otolaryngologist is essential for accurate diagnosis, treatment planning, and management of these conditions.
For further information, please visit: headandneckcancer.org.au
Appointments & Enquiries
Dr Takako Eva Yabe is a Specialist Head & Neck Surgeon with expertise in salivary gland surgery.
She has undertaken sub-specialised training in reconstructive microsurgery at the prestigious St George’s Hospital in London, UK. She treats benign and cancerous conditions and operates in Wollongong in both private and public hospitals. If you have a salivary gland condition that you are concerned about, please get in touch and make a booking.
