Salivary Gland Disorders

What are salivary glands?

Salivary glands produce saliva that lubricates your mouth, moistens food, aids in digestion and protects against abnormal growth of organisms in the mouth. Salivary gland problems can include salivary flow disturbances, infection or inflammation, swelling or tumors. Any condition that blocks saliva flow or that causes an infection can impact your body’s ability to produce enough saliva in the mouth. This can lead to difficulty swallowing from dry mouth, mouth infections, dental caries and poor dental health.

Salivary gland infections can cause more serious conditions like an abscess or difficulty breathing. An infection could also spread to other areas of your body.

At The Ohio State University Wexner Medical Center Department of Otolaryngology (Ear, Nose and Throat), we know that salivary gland disorders can cause problems beyond ordinary oral health.

Our salivary gland specialists are highly skilled in evaluating and treating every aspect of these disorders. You can make an appointment with our salivary gland specialists at multiple locations in Columbus, Ohio, and throughout the region.

From a common infection to a malignant tumor, our team understands the specifics of each condition and how they can impact you. Every day, we work together with patients to provide the right medical and surgical treatment option for their salivary gland disorder.

Types of salivary glands

Salivary glands are divided into three main types:

• Parotid glands – The parotid glands are the largest salivary glands and located near the ears. These produce watery saliva rich in enzymes, which helps to start breaking down food.
• Submandibular glands – Situated beneath the lower jaw, these glands produce a mix of watery and mucous saliva that assists in swallowing and digestion.
• Sublingual glands – Found under the tongue, these produce mucous saliva, which helps lubricate the mouth and kickstart the digestion process.

If one of these glands stops performing its job, any number of serious health issues can follow — especially when conditions go undiagnosed or untreated. Many risk factors, such as poor oral hygiene, dehydration, specific medications or a medical condition like diabetes, contribute to these disorders, too.

What are the symptoms of salivary gland disorders?

While the symptoms vary between specific disorders, they may include pain and swelling in the affected gland, difficulty with swallowing or a dry mouth. In some severe cases, pus discharge and fever can also occur.

No matter the symptom, it’s essential you consult a medical professional as soon as possible. Our team of specialists can quickly diagnose your condition and help prevent complications, such as abscess formation or gland damage.

What different kinds of salivary gland disorders are there?

The most common kinds of salivary gland disorders are infection, dysfunction and tumors.

• Salivary gland stones (sialolithiasis) – While rarely occurring, stones can form in your salivary gland or ducts, blocking the flow of saliva.
• Salivary gland infection (sialadenitis) – This occurs when bacteria invade your salivary glands. Bacteria can cause infection in the parotid or submandibular glands.
• Salivary gland dysfunction – This refers to a gland’s inability to produce or release saliva. Some blood pressure medications, antihistamines and psychiatric prescriptions are known to decrease saliva production. Dehydration, eating disorders and some neurological conditions can be responsible, too.
• Tumors and additional disorders – Salivary gland diseases can include autoimmune disorders like Sjögren’s syndrome, tumors or cysts, which lead to chronic inflammation or gland enlargement. Most tumors are benign, with less than 5% of all head and neck cancers being salivary gland cancers

How are salivary gland disorders diagnosed?

Ohio State’s Ear, Nose and Throat experts use a combination of techniques to diagnose salivary gland disorders. Imaging tests, such as an ultrasound, MRI or CT scan can help to visually identify abnormalities in the salivary ducts or glands. In some cases, we may also use a sialogram, which highlights blockages or strictures by injecting dye into the ducts. Blood tests can also help with our diagnosis, as they can detect underlying conditions of the disorder. Our team also relies on a minimally invasive technique known as sialoendoscopy, which uses a small scope to diagnose and treat problems of the salivary ducts.

How are these disorders treated?

When it comes to salivary gland disorders, the treatment plans depend on the underlying cause (or causes) of the disorder and its overall severity.

How do you unclog a salivary gland at home?

A mild case, for example, might be resolved with self-care measures such as staying hydrated, sialogogues (e.g., sucking on sour candy), warm compresses or massaging the affected gland. Antibiotics may also be necessary to treat an underlying infection. In some cases, surgery may be required to remove a stone (sialolithotomy) or dilate the duct. You should contact a health care provider if swelling fails to resolve.

Surgical treatment at Ohio State

Ohio State specializes in many surgical procedures for the management of salivary gland disorders. Sialolithotomy is removal of a salivary stone which can be done in the office or in the operating room depending on the situation. Sialoendoscopy is a minimally invasive approach using a small scope that passes into the ducts in the mouth to remove stones or mucus plugs and dilates areas of narrowing in the ducts. Removal of the submandibular or sublingual glands and removal of the parotid gland (e.g., parotidectomy) are other open surgical techniques used to treat chronic inflammation of the glands or tumors. Ohio State’s salivary gland surgeons have the expertise and precision it takes to successfully perform these procedures.

For certain malignant salivary gland tumors, radiation therapy or chemotherapy may also be used.

Like everything we do at Ohio State, we are committed to providing you with the most effective care with the least amount of inconvenience to your life.

Why choose Ohio State to treat your salivary gland disorder?

When it comes to salivary gland disorder treatment, the specialists and surgeons at The Ohio State University Wexner Medical Center (OSUWMC) provide a level of comprehensive care that is nationally recognized and unrivaled in the region. When you choose Ohio State to treat your salivary gland disorder, you’ll receive:

• A dedicated team: At Ohio State, you aren’t simply working with physicians and specialists; you have a highly trained and talented team of people who are deeply invested in your best outcome.
• Specialized care and expertise: For noncancerous salivary gland disorders, our surgical team of experts within the division of general Otolaryngology will provide you with top-of-the-line care. If you require cancer care, the Salivary Gland Cancer Treatment Team at the OSUCCC – James is ready for you. Whether you’re newly diagnosed or in remission, the team will create a customized treatment plan to manage your specific salivary gland cancer type.
• State-of-the-art care: We provide diagnostic tools and technologies that are second to none, including sialoendoscopy and advanced ultrasound imaging.
• Our national reputation: The Ohio State Wexner Medical Center’s Department of Otolaryngology – Head and Neck Surgery offers the most advanced, comprehensive ear, nose and throat (ENT) care in the region.