What is the most common disease of the salivary gland?
A variety of diseases ranging from obstructions, infections, to benign and malignant tumors occur in salivary glands. The most common problem is painful blockage of ducts by stones that prevents drainage of saliva. Sialadenitis can be due to either infectious or noninfectious factors.
What are some diseases of the salivary glands?
The three most frequently diagnosed salivary gland diseases are salivary gland infections, sialolithiasis and mucoceles. Salivary gland infections are usually of bacterial or viral etiology and can be divided into acute and chronic types.
What causes salivary gland problems?
The most common problems in the salivary gland occur when the ducts become blocked and saliva cannot drain. Causes include dehydration, smoking and exposure to radiation. Most salivary tumors are noncancerous, and small blockages may pass without treatment. Severe cases may require the removal of a salivary gland.
What doctor treats salivary glands?
If your doctor or dentist suspects you may have a salivary gland tumor, you may be referred to a doctor who specializes in diseases of the face, mouth, teeth, jaws, salivary glands and neck (oral and maxillofacial surgeon) or to a doctor who specializes in diseases that affect the ears, nose and throat (ENT specialist) …
What kind of doctor do you see for salivary gland issues?
What does an infected salivary gland feel like?
Salivary Infection: Symptoms Pain, tenderness and redness. Hard swelling of the salivary gland and the tissues around it. Fever and chills. Drainage of infectious fluid from the gland.
What kind of doctor specializes in salivary glands?
More commonly known as ear, nose and throat physicians (ENTs), Northwestern Medicine otolaryngologists specialize in the diagnosis, treatment and rehabilitation of diseases and disorders of the head and neck, including salivary gland disease.
Can salivary glands cause ear pain?
When the infection occurs in the parotid glands, painful swelling or fullness may be present in front of the ear.
What doctor specializes in salivary glands?
How do you diagnose a salivary gland tumor?
Tests may include:
- X-rays of the salivary gland (called a sialogram) to look for a tumor.
- Ultrasound, CT scan or MRI to confirm that there is a growth, and to see if it has spread to lymph nodes in the neck.
- Salivary gland biopsy or fine needle aspiration to determine whether the tumor is benign or malignant.