Salivary Gland Lump

What is a Salivary Gland Lump?

Salivary gland lumps are abnormal swellings or growths in the salivary glands, such as the parotid, submandibular, or sublingual glands. These lumps may be caused by infections, stones, tumors, or other conditions. Prompt evaluation is essential to determine the cause and appropriate treatment to prevent complications like infections or nerve damage.

Types of Salivary Gland Lumps

Salivary gland lumps vary based on their cause and characteristics, requiring tailored diagnostic and treatment approaches:

Degrees of Severity

The severity of salivary gland lumps depends on their cause, size, and impact on surrounding structures:

• Mild: Small, painless lumps or temporary swelling due to minor infections or stones, often resolving with conservative treatment.
• Moderate: Persistent or painful lumps causing discomfort or affecting salivary flow, requiring medical or minimally invasive intervention.
• Severe: Large, rapidly growing, or malignant lumps impacting facial nerves or causing significant symptoms, needing urgent diagnostics or surgery.

Signs and Symptoms of Salivary Gland Lumps

Salivary gland lumps can present with various symptoms depending on their cause. Early recognition is crucial for timely diagnosis and treatment.

Common Warning Signs

• A noticeable lump or swelling in the cheek, jaw, or under the tongue.
• Pain or tenderness in the affected area, especially during eating or swallowing.
• Dry mouth or reduced saliva production due to gland obstruction.
• Difficulty opening the mouth fully or facial asymmetry.
• Foul-tasting discharge or pus from the gland, indicating infection.
• Fever, fatigue, or swelling, particularly with infections.
• Numbness or weakness in the face if the facial nerve is affected.
• Persistent sore throat or ear pain in some cases.

Causes of Salivary Gland Lumps

Salivary gland lumps can arise from various conditions affecting the parotid, submandibular, or sublingual glands. Identifying the cause is critical for effective treatment. Common causes include:

Infectious Causes

• Bacterial infections: Abscesses or infections causing painful swelling.
• Viral infections: Mumps or other viruses leading to gland inflammation.

Obstructive Causes

• Salivary gland stones (sialolithiasis): Calcium deposits blocking saliva flow, causing swelling and pain.
• Duct obstruction: Scarring or narrowing of salivary ducts.

Tumors

• Benign tumors: Pleomorphic adenoma or Warthin’s tumor, often in the parotid gland.
• Malignant tumors: Cancers like mucoepidermoid carcinoma or adenoid cystic carcinoma.

Other Causes

• Cysts: Fluid-filled sacs causing benign swellings.
• Autoimmune diseases: Sjögren’s syndrome causing chronic gland inflammation.
• Trauma: Injury to the salivary glands leading to swelling or hematomas.

Prevention and Salivary Gland Health

While not all salivary gland lumps can be prevented, certain measures can reduce the risk of infections, stones, or other contributing factors.

Maintaining Salivary Gland Health

• Stay hydrated to promote saliva flow and prevent stone formation.
• Practice good oral hygiene to reduce the risk of infections.
• Avoid smoking and limit alcohol to minimize gland irritation.
• Manage autoimmune conditions like Sjögren’s syndrome with medical guidance.
• Seek prompt treatment for oral or respiratory infections to prevent gland involvement.
• Schedule regular ENT check-ups to monitor salivary gland health.
• Massage glands gently or use sugar-free gum to stimulate saliva flow.

Treatment Options for Salivary Gland Lumps

At ENT Gurgaon, we provide advanced diagnostics and tailored treatments, from minimally invasive procedures to surgical solutions, to address salivary gland lumps effectively. Our expert team uses state-of-the-art technology for accurate diagnosis and optimal outcomes.