Salivary Gland Enlargement Flashcards
(26 cards)
What are some general causes for changes in gland size?
- viral infection
- secretion retention
- gland hyperplasia
What are examples of viral infections that can cause changes in gland size?
- mumps
- HIV
What are some examples of causes of secretion retention leading to changes in gland size?
- mucocele
- duct obstruction
What are some causes of gland hyperplasia that leads to changes in gland size?
- Sialosis
- Sjogrens syndrome
What age range typically catches mumps?
18-25 years old
What are some symptoms associated with Mumps?
- headache
- joint pain
- nausea
- dry mouth
- mild abdominal pain
- pyrexia
- loss of appetite
How is mumps treated in a child?
Symptomatic treatment only (no antiviral medication)
- increase fluids
- medication to help with headaches etc
How can you tell if a patient has increased gland size from mumps or HIV?
Mumps will have associated pyrexia/headache/joint pain etc. Whereas HIV will not.
What is a mucocele?
Obstruction of a minor gland that causes a swelling in the mucosa that fills with saliva
Where are common sites for mucocele development?
- junction hard/soft palate
- lower lip
What are mucoceles commonly caused by?
Minor trauma
Do mucoceles require treatment?
NO unless the mucocele becomes fixed in size
What is a common cause of subacute obstruction of salivary gland swelling?
Swelling associated with meals, increases as salivary flow starts & reduces when it stops
What gland is usually involved with a subacute obstruction swelling?
Submandibular (but occasionally the parotid)
Subacute obstruction in the submandibular gland is usually caused by what?
Duct blockage
Subacute obstruction in the parotid gland is usually caused by what?
Duct stricture
What can cause subacute obstruction of a gland?
- Sialolith (stones)
- ‘Mucous’ plugging
- Ductal damage from chronic infection
What investigations can be done in patients with subacute obstruction of a gland?
- low dose plain radiography
- lower true occlusal
- SIALOGRAPHY (when infection free)
- isotope scan if gland function uncertain
- ultrasound assessment of duct system
What can cause duct stricture in a gland?
Damage or infection in duct
What is duct dilatation?
- defect that prevents normal emptying
- microorganisms grow and lead to perissting & recurrent sialadenits
- results in flabby ductal tree
How is duct dilatation treated?
No direct treatment, only way to fix is gland removal
What is the management of subacute obstruction?
- surgical sialolith removal if practical
- sialography if no stones present (using dye to wash away mucous plug)
- consider gland removal if swelling is fixed
What are some causes of gland hyperplasia in patients?
- Sialosis
- Sjogrens syndrome
What is Sialosis?
Major gland enlargement with no identified cause
- persisting and unexplained enlargement
