Do you have swelling near your ear, under your jaw, pain while eating, or a lump in your salivary gland? These symptoms may indicate a salivary gland disorder. Conditions affecting the parotid gland, submandibular gland, or sublingual glands can result from infections, salivary stones, cysts, autoimmune diseases, or tumors.
Early evaluation is important to identify the cause and provide appropriate treatment. If you have recurrent salivary gland swelling or pain, consult an ENT Specialist in Thane for expert diagnosis and management.
What are the Salivary Glands?
The salivary glands produce saliva, which helps with digestion, lubrication of the mouth, swallowing, and maintaining oral health.
There are three major pairs of salivary glands:
- Parotid Glands – Located in front of and below each ear. These are the largest salivary glands.
- Submandibular Glands – Located beneath the lower jaw and produce most of the saliva at rest.
- Sublingual Glands – Located beneath the tongue.
Hundreds of minor salivary glands are also present throughout the mouth and throat.
Common Salivary Gland Disorders
Salivary gland conditions include:
Salivary Gland Stones (Sialolithiasis)
Mineral deposits can block the salivary ducts, especially in the submandibular gland, causing pain and swelling during meals.
Salivary Gland Infection (Sialadenitis)
Blocked ducts or bacterial infections may lead to painful swelling, redness, fever, and pus discharge.
Parotid Gland Swelling
Swelling of the parotid gland may occur due to viral infections (such as mumps), bacterial infections, autoimmune diseases, stones, or tumors.
Salivary Gland Tumors
Both benign and malignant tumors can develop in the parotid gland, submandibular gland, or other salivary glands. Most parotid tumors are benign, but every persistent salivary gland lump should be evaluated.
Autoimmune Disorders
Conditions such as Sjögren’s syndrome can affect the salivary glands, leading to dry mouth and recurrent swelling.
Symptoms of Salivary Gland Disorders
You may experience:
- Swelling near the ear (Parotid gland swelling)
- Swelling beneath the jaw (Submandibular gland swelling)
- Pain while eating
- Recurrent swelling during meals
- Dry mouth
- Difficulty swallowing
- Bad taste in the mouth
- Pus discharge into the mouth
- Fever
- Lump in the salivary gland
- Facial swelling
Causes
Salivary gland disorders may result from:
- Salivary stones
- Bacterial infections
- Viral infections (including mumps)
- Dehydration
- Poor oral hygiene
- Autoimmune diseases
- Benign salivary gland tumors
- Malignant salivary gland tumors
- Previous radiation therapy
Diagnosis
A detailed ENT evaluation helps determine the exact cause.
Your assessment may include:
- Medical history
- Head and neck examination
- Oral cavity examination
- Examination of the parotid gland, submandibular gland, and sublingual glands
- Ultrasound of the salivary glands
- Fine Needle Aspiration Cytology (FNAC) when indicated
- CT Scan or MRI in selected patients
- Blood tests when necessary
Treatment for Salivary Gland Disorders
Treatment depends on the underlying condition.
Medical Treatment
- Antibiotics for bacterial infections
- Pain-relieving medications
- Adequate hydration
- Warm compresses
- Gentle salivary gland massage
- Sialogogues (such as sugar-free lemon candies) to stimulate saliva when appropriate
Treatment for Salivary Stones
Small salivary stones may pass naturally with hydration and gland massage. Larger stones may require minimally invasive procedures or surgery.
Surgical Treatment
Surgery (parotidectomy or excision of submandibular salivary gland) may be recommended for:
- Persistent salivary gland stones
- Recurrent infections
- Benign salivary gland tumors
- Malignant salivary gland tumors
- Chronic salivary gland disease
The treatment plan is individualized based on the diagnosis.
When Should You Consult an ENT Specialist?
Consult an ENT specialist if you have:
- Recurrent swelling near the ear or under the jaw
- Pain while eating
- Persistent salivary gland swelling
- Dry mouth with recurrent infections
- A lump in the parotid gland or submandibular gland
- Fever with painful gland swelling
- Facial weakness associated with a parotid gland swelling
Early evaluation helps identify infections, stones, and tumors before complications develop.
Can an ENT Specialist Help with Salivary Gland Disorders?
Yes. ENT specialists (Head & Neck Surgeons) are trained to diagnose and manage disorders of the parotid gland, submandibular gland, and sublingual glands.
They can:
- Diagnose salivary gland infections and stones
- Evaluate salivary gland swellings and tumors
- Recommend appropriate imaging and FNAC
- Treat recurrent infections
- Perform surgery when required
- Coordinate care with radiologists, pathologists, and oncologists when necessary
Why Choose Dr. Seema Gupta?
- Experienced ENT Specialist & Head and Neck Surgeon
- Expertise in diagnosing salivary gland diseases
- Comprehensive head and neck examination
- Evaluation of parotid, submandibular, and sublingual gland disorders
- Personalized treatment plans
- Evidence-based, patient-centred care
Salivary Gland Disorders Treatment in Thane
Dr. Seema Gupta (MBBS, MS ENT, DNB, MRCS-ENT UK) provides expert diagnosis and treatment for parotid gland swelling, submandibular gland disorders, salivary gland stones, salivary gland infections (sialadenitis), salivary gland tumors, dry mouth, and other head and neck conditions.
Consultation available at:
- Signita Wellness, Kasarvadavali, Ghodbunder Road, Thane West
- Highland Hospital, Kolshet Road, Thane West
Book an appointment if you have recurrent swelling near your ear, under your jaw, or a persistent salivary gland lump.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
1.What are the major salivary glands?
The three major pairs are the parotid glands, submandibular glands, and sublingual glands. They produce saliva, which helps with chewing, swallowing, digestion, and maintaining oral health.
2.What causes swelling of the parotid gland?
Parotid gland swelling may be caused by infections, salivary stones, autoimmune diseases, or benign or malignant tumors.
3.Why does my gland swell while eating?
Swelling that occurs during meals is commonly caused by a salivary gland stone (sialolithiasis) blocking the flow of saliva, particularly in the submandibular gland.
4.What is sialadenitis?
Sialadenitis is an infection or inflammation of a salivary gland, usually caused by a bacterial infection or blockage of the salivary duct.
5.Are salivary gland tumors cancerous?
Most parotid gland tumors are benign, but some can be malignant. Any persistent salivary gland lump should be evaluated by an ENT specialist.
6.How are salivary gland disorders diagnosed?
Diagnosis may involve a physical examination, ultrasound, FNAC, CT scan, or MRI, depending on the suspected condition.
7.Can salivary gland stones be treated without surgery?
Yes. Small stones may pass with hydration, gland massage, and medications. Larger or persistent stones may require minimally invasive procedures or surgery.
8.When should I consult an ENT specialist?
You should seek medical evaluation if you have recurrent swelling of the parotid gland or submandibular gland, pain during meals, dry mouth, a persistent lump, or repeated infections.