The salivary glands, located in the mouth and throat, are responsible for producing saliva to keep your food moist, making it easier to chew and swallow. Saliva also aids in digestion, keeps your teeth from decaying and contains antibodies that keep your mouth clean and germ-free.
Disorders of the salivary glands can interfere with these processes and lead to a variety of health problems.
Disorders of the Salivary Glands
Salivary Gland Infections
Salivary gland infections are common viral or bacterial infections that can affect any of the salivary glands surrounding your mouth. The mouth has six major glands and hundreds of small ones. In some cases, treatment may be as simple has hydration, but you may require antibiotics, steroids, or surgery to fully resolve symptoms. If you have questions about new or chronic salivary gland infections, please come see us.
Salivary Gland Tumor
Salivary gland tumors are rare and most commonly benign but can also be cancerous. They are generally firm swellings within the major saliva glands. These are called the parotid, submandibular and sublingual glands. Most tumors are removed safely with the surgical excision of the affected gland. Sometimes radiation and chemotherapy may be needed for patients with cancerous growths.
Parotidectomy
The parotid gland is a salivary gland located high in the neck and this surgical procedure is designed to remove that gland or tissues from it. Your Camino ENT doctor may recommend this procedure if you have abnormal growths on your parotid gland, called neoplasms, that may cause or create further complications or more serious conditions of the throat.
Call Camino Ear, Nose & Throat Clinic at (408) 227-6300 for more information or to schedule an appointment.
