Diseases affecting the salivary glands

Among the major diseases affecting the salivary glands are inflammatory pathology and tumors. The latter constitute the most serious pathology of the salivary glands and treatment generally requires surgery. Inflammatory pathology, on the other hand, has its origin in the narrowing of the glandular ducts through which saliva exits.

Salivary gland tumors

Salivary gland tumors are a type of tumor that can begin in any of the salivary glands in the mouth, neck or throat. In these cases, after the patient detects a lump in front of or under the ear, inside the mouth or under the jaw, a diagnostic process is initiated to extract cells from the tumor and obtain a diagnosis to determine whether it is benign or malignant. In both cases, once the diagnosis is made, the tumor is removed by surgical treatment.

Inflammatory pathologies: symptoms and treatment

In the case of inflammatory pathologies, the patient feels a painful swelling in the lateral part of the face or under the mandibular angle that may be accompanied by discomfort when swallowing, fever and general malaise. Normally, these pathologies are treated with antibiotics and anti-inflammatory drugs, but occasionally, they may require surgical removal.

How can these pathologies be prevented?

It is very difficult to prevent salivary gland tumors, since the origin and the circumstances that cause them are unknown. However, inflammatory processes can be prevented by ensuring adequate hydration to maintain proper saliva flow.