Salivary gland disease

Otolaryngologists are salivary gland specialists. We all have four major salivary glands that are named parotids (one on each side) and submandibular glands (one on each side). The parotid duct is called Stensen’s duct and empties saliva into the mouth. The submandibular canal is called Wharton’s duct. We also have small salivary glands under the tongue called sublingual glands and 800 minor salivary glands all over the mouth.

Salivary gland disease can be due to tumor, benign or malignant. Stones called sialolithiases can also cause salivary gland inflammation, called sialadenitis. Acute or chronic infections with bacteria or viruses can cause sialadenitis. Finally, some systemic diseases, that affect other organs, can manifest themselves in the salivary glands, such as diabetes or HIV.

Our Otolaryngologists will evaluate your salivary glands with a phsycail exam and sometimes with bloodwork, imaging (ultrasound, CT scan, MRI) or biopsies. Some treatments are medical, some surgical (salivary gland removal), and sometimes you will be referred for sialoendoscopy (treatment of salivary glands with a small camera).