Salivary Glands Flashcards
Parotid gland duct opening
Opposite the second upper molar tooth, after piercing the buccinator muscle and buccal mucosa
Histopathology of parotid tumours
80% are benign
80% of benign tumours are pleomorphic adenomas
Structure and location of submandibular gland
Located inferior to the body of the mandible, superior to digastric (in submandibular triangle)
Risks of parotid surgery
Facial nerve palsy
Submandibular gland duct opening
In papillae lateral to the frenulum of the tongue
Risks in submandibular gland surgery
Damage to hypoglossal and lingual nerves
Sublingual gland location and drainage
Located in floor of mouth, drain into papillae in floor of mouth
What is acute sialadenitis?
Infection of salivary glands, may be viral or bacterial:
Bacterial - typically staphylococcal infections, seen in dehydrated or Immunocompromised patients
Viral - paramyxovirus, coxsackievirus, echovirus, HIV
Most common in submandibular
What is sialolithiasis?
Stones in salivary duct, cause obstruction and lead to pain and swelling, worse during meals
Most likely in submandibular
Investigations and management of sialolithiasis
Investigation: ultrasound, sialogram
Management:
Conservative - analgesia, hydration, sialogogues
Radiological/endoscopic removal
Surgery - intraoral removal of palpable stones, removal of salivary gland
Complications of sialolithiasis
Sialadenitis
Abscess formation
What is Sjögren’s syndrome?
Autoimmune disease causing lymphocytic infiltration into the ductal tissue of secretory glands
Classically presents with dry eyes, dry mouth, enlarged salivary glands
Difference between primary and secondary Sjögren’s syndrome
Primary = xerostomia or xerophthalmia without connective tissue abnormality
Secondary = with connective tissue disease, most commonly rheumatoid arthritis
Diagnosis of Sjögren’s syndrome
Made from history, examination, specific antibodies, biopsy of minor salivary glands on inner lip
Location and structure of parotid
Anterior to pinna, lateral to ramus of mandible
Split into deep and superficial lobes by facial nerve
