SALIVARY GLAND DISEASE OF SALIVARY GLANDS

Anatomy and Physiological Aspects of Salivary Glands

• Salivary glands are a group of glands in the oral cavity that produce saliva.
• There are three major salivary glands: parotid, submandibular, and sublingual.
• The parotid gland is the largest of the three and is located in the preauricular region.
• The submandibular gland is located under the mandible and is divided into two portions: the larger deeper lobe and the smaller superficial lobe.
• The sublingual gland is located under the tongue and is the smallest of the three major salivary glands.

Investigations for Salivary Gland Diseases

• USG (Ultrasound): USG is a non-invasive imaging technique that uses high-frequency sound waves to produce images of the salivary glands.
• FNAC (Fine Needle Aspiration Cytology): FNAC involves the insertion of a fine needle into the salivary gland to obtain a sample of cells for examination.
• PET (Positron Emission Tomography): PET is a nuclear medicine imaging technique that uses a radioactive tracer to produce images of the salivary glands.
• CT (Computed Tomography): CT is a non-invasive imaging technique that uses X-rays to produce detailed images of the salivary glands.
• MRI (Magnetic Resonance Imaging): MRI is a non-invasive imaging technique that uses magnetic fields and radio waves to produce detailed images of the salivary glands.
• Biopsy: Biopsy involves the removal of a sample of tissue from the salivary gland for examination.

Cysts and Tumors of Salivary Glands

• Causes:
  • Trauma
  • Infection
  • Genetic conditions
• Types:
  • Benign tumors:
    • Pleomorphic adenoma
    • Warthin's tumor
    • Onocytic adenoma
  • Malignant tumors:
    • Mucoepidermoid carcinoma
    • Adenoid cystic carcinoma
    • Squamous cell carcinoma
• Clinical Features:
  • A painless, slowly enlarging mass in the oral cavity
  • Difficulty swallowing or speaking
  • Facial weakness or numbness
• Diagnosis:
  • Imaging studies (USG, CT, MRI)
  • FNAC
  • Biopsy
• Management:
  • Surgical excision
  • Radiation therapy
  • Chemotherapy

Sublingual and Submandibular Gland Diseases

• Causes:
  • Infection
  • Trauma
  • Obstruction of the salivary gland duct
• Clinical Features:
  • Swelling of the sublingual or submandibular gland
  • Pain or tenderness in the affected area
  • Difficulty swallowing or speaking
• Investigation:
  • USG
  • FNAC
  • Biopsy
• Management:
  • Antibiotics for infection
  • Incision and drainage for abscess
  • Surgical excision for obstructions

Homoeopathic Medicines for Salivary Gland Diseases

• Aconitum napellus: for sudden onset of symptoms
• Belladonna: for redness and swelling
• Calcarea carbonica: for chronic conditions
• Graphites: for dryness and stiffness
• Pulsatilla: for women with hormonal imbalances
• Silica: for chronic inflammation
• Sulfur: for fungal infections
• Thuja occidentalis: for chronic conditions