Salivary Gland Disease

What is Salivary Gland Disease?

Salivary glands are glands located around the face which produce saliva. There are 3 main glands (parotid, submandibular and sublingual)  on each side of the face which may be involved in disease. Symptoms may include fevers, pain and swelling on eating, slowly enlarging facial lumps, weakness of facial muscles and limitation of mouth opening (trismus)

How is Salivary Gland Disease diagnosed and treated?

The condition is diagnosed by a complete examination and investigations which may include special x-rays with dye (sialogram), ultrasounds, CT Scans, biopsy or blood tests.

Treatment depends on the exact cause and may include medications or surgical removal of the affected glands.