Salivary gland swelling

Question 1

What are the risk factors/aetiology of salivary gland swelling?

Answer 1

• Calculus/stone formation
• Viral e.g. mumps, cytomegalovirus, HIV
• Bacteria e.g. staphylococci (abscess)
• Granulomatous conditions e.g. TB, sarcoidosis
• Sjogren’s syndrome
• Diabetes
• Bulimia
• Tumours

Question 2

What are the signs/symptoms of salivary gland swelling?

Answer 2

• Swelling before/during mastication
• Pain/tender – dull in stones
• Redness
• Hot to touch
• Facial weakness
• Ulceration

Question 3

What investigation are conducted for salivary gland swelling?

Answer 3

• Sialography
• Sialendoscopy
• CT
• MRI
• Bloods for infective cause

Question 4

What are the surgical treatments for salivary gland swelling?

Answer 4

• Sialendoscopy

* Removal of salivary gland

Question 5

What are the pharmacological treatments for salivary gland swelling?

Answer 5

• Antibiotics

* Analgesia

Question 6

What are the non pharmacological treatments for salivary gland swelling?

Answer 6

• Settles itself
• Rest
• Rehydrate
• Suck on lemon – if stone as stimulates salivary gland
• Warm compress and massage – infection