Salivary Gland Diseases - CMC
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Salivary Gland Diseases Treatment in Dubai

Salivary glands produce saliva, which helps in digestion, keeps your mouth moist, and supports healthy teeth. Under and behind your jaw, are three pairs of large salivary glands. They consist of:

  • Parotid
  • Sublingual
  • Submandibular

There are numerous other microscopic salivary glands in your lips, cheeks, mouth, and throat.

Causes of Salivary Gland Conditions

The salivary glands may become dysfunctional, or their ducts may be blocked, preventing the flow of saliva. The following are some of the conditions associated with salivary glands:

  • Infections: Salivary gland infections can be brought on by viral illnesses like the flu, mumps, and other similar conditions. On both sides of the face, parotid glands swell, producing the impression of “chipmunk cheeks.” Among other conditions that cause salivary gland swelling include the Epstein-Barr virus (EBV), cytomegalovirus (CMV), Coxsackievirus, and the human immunodeficiency virus.
  • Salivary stones or sialoliths: Salivary stones are accumulations of crystallized saliva deposits, and they are the most frequent cause of salivary glands discomforts. Salivary stones can occasionally stop the flow of saliva. In the event saliva can’t exit through the ducts, it backs up into the gland, causing pain and swelling.
  • Cysts: Cysts often develop in the salivary glands if injuries, infections, tumors, or salivary stones obstruct saliva flow. Some newborns are born with parotid gland cysts because of an issue with ear development. It can take the form of a soft, raised region or a blister. Cysts can make it difficult to speak and eat.
  • Tumors: There are several types of tumors that affect the salivary glands which can be cancerous or noncancerous. Pleomorphic adenomas and Warthin’s tumors are the two most common types of tumors. Pleomorphic adenomas most frequently affect the parotid glands, though they can also affect the submandibular gland and smaller salivary glands. Warthin’s tumor is a benign condition that mostly affects the parotid gland. It affects more than it does women. The tumor grows on both sides of the face.
  • Sjogren’s syndrome: This is a chronic autoimmune disease that causes dry mouth and eyes because immune system cells assault the salivary and other moisture-producing glands.

Symptoms of Salivary Gland Conditions

  • Salivary gland swelling
  • Dry mouth
  • Pain
  • Fever
  • Foul-tasting drainage into the mouth

Treatment for Salivary Gland Diseases

Treatment options for salivary gland problems depend on the cause.

Treatment for salivary stones and other duct blockages frequently starts with procedures like stone removal, warm compress, or sour candies to stimulate saliva production. Surgery may however become necessary if conservative measures don’t relieve the problem.

Both benign and malignant tumors must often be removed surgically. Radiation therapy is used to prevent the growth of some benign cancers. Some malignant tumors require radiation and chemotherapy. Large cysts may also require surgery to be treated.

Other salivary gland diseases can be treated with medication, for instance, bacterial infections which are treated with antibiotics. A dry mouth can also be treated with medication.

FAQ's

The treatment of salivary gland diseases depends on the specific condition and its severity. Treatment options may include:

Not all salivary gland tumors require surgery. The treatment approach depends on factors such as the type of tumor, its location, size, and whether it is benign or malignant. Some smaller and benign tumors may be monitored over time without immediate surgery, while others may require surgical removal. Malignant tumors often require surgery, along with additional treatments such as radiation therapy or chemotherapy.

The outcome of treatment for salivary gland diseases depends on the specific condition and its severity. While some conditions, such as acute infections, may be cured with appropriate treatment, others, such as chronic salivary gland dysfunction or recurrent stone formation, may require ongoing management to control symptoms and prevent complications. Malignant salivary gland tumors may require a combination of treatments and ongoing monitoring to ensure the best possible outcome.

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