Salivary Gland Disorders

The salivary glands are responsible for producing saliva, which aids in digestion, protects teeth, and keeps the mouth moist. Disorders affecting the salivary glands can lead to discomfort, swelling, and functional impairments.

Below is an overview of common salivary gland conditions, their causes, symptoms, risk factors, and treatment options.

Overview

Salivary gland tumours can develop in any of the major or minor salivary glands, with the parotid gland being the most commonly affected. While most tumours are benign including pleomorphic adenomas and warthins tumors, some can be malignant. In Australia, 90% of all parotid cancers are secondary to skin cancer metastases. Primary salivary malignancies include mucoepidermoid carcinomas, adenoid cystic carcinomas, acinic cell carcinoma and rarely secretory carcinomas.

Causes

  • Genetic mutations
  • Radiation exposure
  • Environmental factors (e.g., industrial carcinogens)

Symptoms

  • Painless swelling in the face, neck, or mouth
  • Facial asymmetry, weakness or numbness (suggestive of malignancy)
  • Persistent pain in the affected area

Risk Factors

  • Increasing age (most common in adults over 50)
  • Previous radiation exposure to the head and neck
  • Smoking and alcohol consumption (associated with certain types of malignant tumours)

Treatment Options

  • Surgery – The primary treatment for most salivary gland tumours. Types of surgery include parotidectomy, submandibular gland excision, or minor salivary gland resection.
  • Radiotherapy or Chemotherapy – Used for malignant tumours or cases where surgery is not feasible.
  • Reconstructive Surgery – May be necessary to restore function and appearance after tumour removal. Types of surgery include facial nerve reanimation, static and dynamic, restoration of facial contour / skin.

Overview

Salivary gland stones are calcified deposits that form in the salivary ducts, leading to blockage and discomfort. The submandibular gland is most commonly affected due to the nature of its duct anatomy.

Causes

  • Dehydration, leading to thickened saliva
  • Reduced salivary flow due to certain medications
  • High calcium levels in saliva
  • Chronic infections or inflammation of the salivary glands

Symptoms

  • Pain and swelling in the affected gland, particularly while eating
  • Dry mouth
  • Recurrent infections or abscess formation
  • Difficulty opening the mouth or swallowing

Risk Factors

  • Dehydration
  • Poor oral hygiene
  • Medications that reduce saliva production (e.g., antihistamines, diuretics)
  • Recurrent salivary gland infections

Treatment Options

  • Hydration and Massage – Encourages stone passage for small, non-obstructive stones
  • Sialogogues (Saliva-Stimulating Agents) – Lemon drops or sour foods to promote saliva flow
  • Minimally Invasive Techniques – Such as sialendoscopy to remove small stones
  • Surgical Removal – Required for larger or deeply embedded stones

Overview

Sialadenitis refers to inflammation of the salivary glands, which can be caused by infections or autoimmune diseases. It commonly affects the parotid and submandibular glands.

Causes

  • Bacterial infections – Often caused by Staphylococcus aureus or Streptococcus species
  • Viral infections – Including mumps
  • Autoimmune conditions – Such as Sjögren’s syndrome, where the immune system attacks salivary glands

Symptoms

  • Swelling and tenderness in the affected gland
  • Pain, particularly when eating or touching the gland
  • Dry mouth (xerostomia)
  • Fever and general malaise in infectious cases
  • Pus discharge from the duct opening in bacterial infections

Risk Factors

  • Dehydration
  • Chronic illnesses (e.g., diabetes, HIV)
  • Autoimmune disorders (e.g., Sjögren’s syndrome, lupus)
  • Poor oral hygiene

Treatment Options

  • Antibiotics – For bacterial infections
  • Pain Relief and Anti-inflammatory Medications – Such as NSAIDs
  • Hydration and Gland Massage – To improve saliva flow
  • Sialogogues – To stimulate saliva production
  • Surgical Drainage – For abscesses or chronic infections

Conclusion

Dr Laura Wang specialises in the diagnosis and treatment of salivary gland conditions. If you have concerns about salivary gland tumours, stones, or infections, a comprehensive assessment and personalised treatment plan can help restore function and comfort. Book a consultation today for expert care tailored to your needs.

Dr Laura Wang is a highly-experienced, fellowship-trained Endocrine and Head & Neck surgeon consulting and operating across Sydney.

Dr Wang holds both a Master of Surgery (MS) Degree and a Doctorate of Philosophy (PhD) in thyroid cancer surgery and performs a high-volume of thyroid and parathyroid surgeries. She was the first surgeon to be dual-trained in both head and neck cancer surgery (for benign and cancerous conditions), as well as microvascular reconstructive surgery at Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Centre in New York, which is the oldest cancer hospital in the world (founded in 1884).

Get in touch to book an appointment. Urgent appointments available for cancer patients.

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Endocrine and Head & Neck Surgeon
& Reconstructive Microvascular Surgeon
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