Salivary Gland

There are millions of minor salivary glands in the mouth. There are three pairs of larger salivary glands

1. Sublingual Glands: Located under the tongue on each side.
2. Submandibular or Submaxillary Glands: Located under the jaw on each side of the neck.
3. Parotid Glands: Located in front of the ear and are large.

The minor salivary glands can become clogged and form a mucocele which usually needs to be removed and can usually be performed in the office. The other glands can become clogged with thick saliva, stones and aggressive medical therapy can usually take care of the swelling and pain. If it recurs or does not resolve after medical treatment, then dilating the duct in the office can be performed, and if that fails then surgery to remove the gland is offered.

Tumors, which most are benign, are another reason to remove the salivary glands.

Benign Tumors

• Pleomorphic Adenoma
• Warthin's Tumor/Papillary Cystadenoma Lymphomatosum
• Oncocytoma
• Monomorhic Adenoma
• Sebaceous Tumor
• Benign Lymphoepithelial tumors
• Papillary Duct Adenoma
• Hemangioma

Maligant Tumors

• Mucoepidermoid Carcinoma
• Adenoid Cystic Carcinoma
• Malignant Mixed tumor
• Acinic Cell Carcinoma
• Adenocarcinoma
• Sebaceous Carcinoma
• Lymphoma
• Malignant Fibrohistiocytoma.

Parotid Metastasisfrom other areas include:

• Cutaneous/skin
• Renal
• Lung
• Breast
• GI

Dr. Tamez manages all salivary gland pathology. He is very conservative, but if surgery is required, you could not be in better hands. Dr. Tamez goes the extra mile in assuring the best functional and cosmetic result after thorough removal. He works closely with a team of cancer doctors if needed. His Otolaryngology/Head and Neck training and extensive experience make him the specialist to see for salivary gland and head and neck issues.

Key Terms

• Facial Nerve/Cranial Nerve Seven(VII)
• Marginal Mandibular Branch of Cranial Nerve VII
• Warthin's Duct
• Stenson's Duct
• Siaolith (salivary stone)
• Cystic dilation of duct

Possible Testing

• Ultrasound
• FNA/ultrasound guided FNA
• Computed tomography (CT) scan of the neck

Possible Treatments

• Salivary duct dilation
• Superfical vs. Total Parotidectomy with or without neck dissection
• Facelift Incision
• Submandibular/Submaxillary Gland excision with or without neck dissection
• Sublingual gland excision
• Radiation therapy
• Intensity Modulated Radiation Therapy(IMRT)
• Chemotherapy

Fact Sheets

• Salivary glands