Salivary Gland Disorders

Overview of Salivary Gland Disorders

Salivary gland disorders affect the glands responsible for producing saliva, which plays a key role in digestion and oral health. These disorders can cause discomfort, swelling, or more serious complications depending on the cause. At Loyola Medicine, our expert otolaryngologists provide advanced, comprehensive care for all types of salivary gland conditions, ranging from common infections to complex tumors.

What is Salivary Gland Disease?

Salivary gland disease is a broad term for conditions that interfere with the normal function of the salivary glands. These include issues that block the ducts, cause inflammation or infection, or lead to abnormal growths. There are three major pairs of salivary glands: the parotid, submandibular, and sublingual glands. Disorders may affect one or more of these glands, leading to symptoms like dry mouth, pain, or facial swelling.

Early evaluation is important, as some causes, like tumors or chronic infections, can lead to long-term complications if not addressed.

What Causes Salivary Gland Disorders?

Salivary gland issues may result from a variety of causes, including:

• Blockages in the salivary ducts, often caused by small stones
• Bacterial infections, especially when saliva flow is reduced
• Viral infections, such as the mumps virus
• Autoimmune diseases like Sjögren’s syndrome
• Benign or malignant salivary or parotid tumors
• Oral cysts or non-infectious swelling related to systemic health conditions

There are also contributing factors that can depend on lifestyle choices, including dehydration, use of certain medications, poor oral hygiene, and even stress. In some cases, the issue can require a comprehensive diagnostic approach.

Types of Salivary Gland Disorders

• Sialolithiasis (salivary stones): Stones form within a salivary duct, blocking saliva flow and causing painful swelling, especially when eating.
• Sialadenitis: A bacterial infection of the salivary glands, often linked to a blockage or decreased saliva production. Can be acute or chronic.
• Viral Infections: Viruses like mumps can inflame the parotid glands, leading to facial swelling and tenderness.
• Oral Cysts: Painless, fluid-filled sacs that may grow larger over time or interfere with saliva flow.
• Sjögren’s Syndrome: An autoimmune condition in which the body attacks its own salivary and tear glands, leading to dry mouth and dry eyes.
• Sialadenosis: A rare, non-inflammatory swelling typically tied to metabolic conditions such as diabetes, malnutrition, or chronic alcoholism.
• Salivary Gland Tumors: Growths in the salivary glands that may be benign (noncancerous) or malignant (cancerous). Though rare, salivary gland cancer is more common in people between the ages of 50 and 60.

Symptoms of Salivary Gland Disorders

While symptoms may vary depending on the condition, common signs of a salivary gland disorder include:

• Noticeable swelling near the jaw, cheeks, or neck
• Pain or tenderness, particularly when eating or swallowing
• Dry mouth or decreased saliva production
• Bad taste in the mouth or foul-smelling saliva
• Difficulty opening the mouth fully
• Fever, especially when infection is present

If you notice any of these persistent and/or recurring symptoms, you should be evaluated by a medical professional to determine the underlying cause.

Risk Factors for Salivary Gland Conditions

The risk of developing a salivary gland disorder depends on the specific condition, but some common factors include:

• Age (more common in older adults)
• Dehydration, which reduces saliva flow
• Autoimmune conditions
• Poor dental hygiene or oral infections
• Radiation therapy to the head or neck
• Tobacco and alcohol use
• Use of certain medications that reduce saliva production

Some individuals may also be genetically predisposed to certain conditions, such as Sjögren’s syndrome or tumors.

Diagnosis of Salivary Gland Conditions

Accurate diagnosis is essential to selecting the right treatment. Your doctor may begin with a physical exam and review of your medical history. Additional tests may include:

• Imaging studies, such as ultrasound, CT scan, or MRI, to assess gland structure
• Sialography, a special x-ray technique that examines the salivary ducts
• Fine-needle aspiration (FNA) or biopsy to evaluate tumors or cysts
• Blood tests to screen for autoimmune conditions

At Loyola Medicine, we use the latest imaging and diagnostic tools to ensure a precise and timely diagnosis.

Treatment for Salivary Gland Disease

Treatment depends on the underlying cause of the salivary gland disorder and the severity of symptoms. Patients can expect to receive one of several common treatment approaches, including:

• Hydration, warm compresses, and massage for minor blockages or stones
• Antibiotics or antiviral medications to treat infections
• Surgical removal of stones, cysts, or tumors
• Immunosuppressive therapy for autoimmune-related disorders
• Cancer treatment, including surgery, radiation therapy, or chemotherapy, for malignant tumors

Our specialists offer both traditional and minimally-invasive techniques, including robotic-assisted procedures, to reduce recovery time and preserve salivary gland function whenever possible.