Salivary Gland Diseases and Surgery

Salivary glands are the glands responsible for the production of saliva, which keeps the mouth and throat moist.
These glands help digest food and play an important role in maintaining oral health.
There are three main salivary glands in the human body: parotid (in front of the ear), submandibular (under the chin) and sublingual (under the tongue) glands.
Diseases of the salivary glands can be caused by various causes, such as infection, stone formation, cysts, tumors and autoimmune diseases.
Surgical interventions are frequently used in the treatment of salivary gland diseases.

Causes of Salivary Gland Diseases

Salivary gland diseases can occur for different reasons.
Among these causes:

Salivary Stones (Sialolithiasis): Stone formation occurs as a result of calcium accumulation in the salivary glands.
These stones can block the salivary ducts and cause pain, swelling and infection.
Infections Bacterial or viral infections of the salivary glands (e.g. mumps) cause inflammation.
Cysts and tumors: Benign (pleomorphic adenoma) or malignant (mucoepidermoid carcinoma) tumors can develop in the salivary glands.
Cyst formation in the salivary glands is also common.
Autoimmune Diseases: In autoimmune diseases such as Sjögren’s syndrome, the salivary glands become inflamed and saliva production decreases.
Trauma Trauma to the face or mouth can cause damage and blockage of the salivary glands.

Symptoms of Salivary Gland Diseases

Salivary gland diseases usually present with symptoms such as pain, swelling and dry mouth.
The main symptoms are:

Swelling of the face and neck: Swelling may occur in front of the ear, under the chin or under the tongue as a result of inflammation of the salivary glands or blockage by salivary stones.
Pain Pain in the salivary glands, especially when eating or when saliva production increases.
Dry Mouth Blockage of the salivary glands or insufficient saliva production leads to dry mouth.
Bad taste in the mouth: Infection of the salivary glands can cause bad taste and bad breath.
Swallowing Difficulty Swelling in the salivary glands can cause difficulty in swallowing by creating pressure in the mouth and throat area.

Diagnosis of Salivary Gland Diseases

The patient’s symptoms and a detailed clinical examination are important in the diagnosis of salivary gland diseases.
Methods used to make a diagnosis:

Physical Examination: Swelling, tenderness and stiffness can be detected by palpation of the salivary glands.
Ultrasound Ultrasonography is used to detect stones, cysts or tumors in the salivary glands.
Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI) and Computed Tomography (CT): MRI or CT scans are performed for detailed visualization of the salivary glands and surrounding structures.
Sialography: This is a special X-ray technique used to visualize the salivary ducts.
Contrast material is injected into the salivary ducts and blockages and stones in the ducts are examined.
Biopsy If a mass or tumor is suspected in the salivary gland, a tissue sample is taken for pathological examination.

Treatment of Salivary Gland Diseases

Treatment of salivary gland diseases varies depending on the type, cause and severity of the disease.
Treatment methods include the following:

1. Medication Therapy

Antibiotics Antibiotics are used to treat bacterial infections.
Painkillers and anti-inflammatory drugs: Painkillers and anti-inflammatory drugs can be used to relieve inflammation and pain in the salivary glands.

2. Removing the stones

Endoscopic Stone Removal: If there is stone formation in the salivary ducts, sialendoscopy can be used to remove the stones from inside the ducts.
This is a minimally invasive procedure and is effective in treating most stones.
Surgical Stone Removal: In cases where the stone is large and deeply located, surgical removal of the stone may be necessary.

3. Salivary Gland Surgeries

Salivary Gland Removal (Sialoadenectomy): If the salivary gland has a tumor, large cyst or chronic infection, it may need to be surgically removed.
One of the parotid, submandibular or sublingual glands can be surgically removed.
Cyst and Tumor Surgery: Cysts or tumors in the salivary gland are treated by removing part or all of the gland.

4. Other treatments for the salivary gland

Radiotherapy In the treatment of malignant tumors, radiotherapy can be used in addition to surgical treatment.
Treatment of Autoimmune Diseases: In autoimmune diseases such as Sjögren’s syndrome, drugs that suppress the immune system are used.

Risks and Side Effects of Salivary Gland Surgery

Although salivary gland surgery is generally a safe procedure, there may be some risks and side effects:

Facial Nerve Damage: Especially in parotid gland surgeries, there is a risk of nerve damage due to the close proximity of the facial nerve.
This can lead to temporary or permanent loss of sensation or muscle movement disorders in the face.
Infection There is a risk of infection after surgery.
This risk can be reduced with antibiotic treatment and postoperative care.
Salivary Gland Fistula: In rare cases, a fistula (abnormal passage) may develop in the salivary ducts after salivary gland surgery.

Prevention of Salivary Gland Diseases

Some measures to prevent salivary gland diseases:

Drink plenty of water: Drink plenty of water to increase saliva production and prevent blockage of the ducts.
Oral Hygiene Maintaining oral and dental health is important in preventing salivary gland infections.
Foods to Increase Saliva Secretion: Lemons and other sour foods increase salivation and help cleanse the glands.
Regular Check-ups: When swelling, pain or other symptoms are noticed in the salivary glands, an otolaryngologist should be consulted for early diagnosis and treatment.