Anatomy and Physiology of Parotid Gland
- The parotid gland is a major salivary gland located in the face.
- It is a serous gland that produces a watery secretion.
- The parotid gland is divided into two lobes: superficial and deep.
- The superficial lobe is the larger of the two and is located beneath the skin.
- The deep lobe is located deep to the external auditory canal and is surrounded by the styloid process and the stylohyoid ligament.
- The parotid gland receives its blood supply from the external carotid artery.
- The parotid gland is innervated by the auriculotemporal nerve, which is a branch of the mandibular division of the trigeminal nerve.
Diseases of Parotid Gland
- Parotitis: Inflammation of the parotid gland.
- Parotid gland tumor: A tumor that arises from the parotid gland.
Investigations for Parotid Gland Diseases
- USG (Ultrasonography): To assess the size and location of the parotid gland and to detect any abnormalities.
- FNAC (Fine Needle Aspiration Cytology): To obtain a sample of tissue from the parotid gland for cytological examination.
- PET (Positron Emission Tomography): To assess the metabolic activity of the parotid gland and to detect any malignant changes.
- CT (Computed Tomography): To assess the size and location of the parotid gland and to detect any abnormalities.
- MRI (Magnetic Resonance Imaging): To assess the size and location of the parotid gland and to detect any abnormalities.
- Biopsy: To obtain a sample of tissue from the parotid gland for histological examination.
Causes of Parotitis
- Viral infections: Such as mumps.
- Bacterial infections: Such as Staphylococcus aureus.
- Fungal infections: Such as Candida albicans.
- Trauma: To the parotid gland.
- Sialolithiasis: The formation of a stone in the parotid gland.
Clinical Features of Parotitis
- Pain: In the parotid gland and surrounding area.
- Swelling: Of the parotid gland.
- Redness: Of the parotid gland.
- Increased salivation: In some cases.
- Fever: In some cases.
Investigations for Parotitis
- USG (Ultrasonography): To assess the size and location of the parotid gland and to detect any abnormalities.
- FNAC (Fine Needle Aspiration Cytology): To obtain a sample of tissue from the parotid gland for cytological examination.
- Blood tests: To detect any underlying infection or inflammation.
- Imaging studies: Such as CT or MRI to assess the parotid gland and surrounding tissues.
Causes of Parotid Gland Tumors
- Benign tumors: Such as pleomorphic adenoma.
- Malignant tumors: Such as mucoepidermoid carcinoma.
- Metastatic tumors: From other sites such as the breast or lung.
Clinical Features of Parotid Gland Tumors
- Pain: In the parotid gland and surrounding area.
- Swelling: Of the parotid gland.
- Redness: Of the parotid gland.
- Increased salivation: In some cases.
- Fever: In some cases.
Investigations for Parotid Gland Tumors
- USG (Ultrasonography): To assess the size and location of the parotid gland and to detect any abnormalities.
- FNAC (Fine Needle Aspiration Cytology): To obtain a sample of tissue from the parotid gland for cytological examination.
- Imaging studies: Such as CT or MRI to assess the parotid gland and surrounding tissues.
- Biopsy: To obtain a sample of tissue from the parotid gland for histological examination.
Homoeopathic Treatment for Parotitis and Parotid Gland Tumors
- Arsenicum album: For inflammation and infection.
- Belladonna: For pain and swelling.
- Calendula: For inflammation and infection.
- Calcarea carbonica: For chronic inflammation and infection.
- Hepar sulphuris: For chronic inflammation and infection.
- Hypericum: For pain and numbness.
- Lachesis: For inflammation and infection.
- Merc sol: For inflammation and infection.
- Pulsatilla: For chronic inflammation and infection.
- Selenium: For chronic inflammation and infection.
- Silica: For chronic inflammation and infection.
Physical Examination of Parotid Gland and Other Salivary Glands
- Palpation: To assess the size and location of the parotid gland and to detect any abnormalities.
- Percussion: To assess the tenderness of the parotid gland.
- Tenderness: To assess the tenderness of the parotid gland.
- Swelling: To assess the swelling of the parotid gland.
- Redness: To assess the redness of the parotid gland.
- Increased salivation: To assess the increased salivation of the parotid gland.
Note: The above information is a basic overview of the topic and is not intended to be a comprehensive or definitive guide.