Salivary gland diseases are relatively rare and can cause symptoms in one or more salivary glands. If you have problems with your salivary glands, you should see a consultant and have it examined.

What are salivary glands?

The oral cavity is lined with a mucous membrane that is kept moist by saliva. The saliva comes from three types of salivary glands. There are salivary glands under the tongue, two salivary glands under the jaw (the submandibular glands), and two salivary glands in front of the ear (the parotid glands). 
The salivary glands ensure saliva production, so that you can chew food better, and keep the oral cavity moist when you are not eating. 

Causes of problems in the salivary glands

• Infection
• Salivary stones
• Lumps in the salivary gland 

Symptoms of diseases in the salivary glands

• Swelling in the salivary gland which can become increasingly painful. The swelling can fluctuate and be accompanied by fever.  
• Bad taste in the mouth, if there is inflammation in the salivary glands.  
• Slowly growing painless lump in the salivary gland. 

Examination

Clinical examination by a consultant in ear, nose and throat (ENT) diseases and ultrasound scanning with fine-needle aspiration will usually provide the diagnosis.

Treatment

If there is infection and saliva stuck in the gland, antibiotics are required. Furthermore, one should eat sour things so that the saliva can flow to the mouth. If this does not provide a lasting result, or if there is chronic infection, salivary stones – or if there is a lump in the salivary gland, surgery may be considered. 
 
Surgery on salivary glands is a specialist task due to the nerves located around the salivary glands. In connection with surgery on the submandibular gland and parotid gland, particular care must be taken with the facial nerve. 
At CPH Privathospital, the surgeon works with a gentle ultrasonic scalpel and with nerve monitoring during the operation to increase safety.  

Same doctor and rapid treatment

Regardless of whether the symptoms have arisen acutely or are of a more prolonged nature, you should be seen by a consultant in ear, nose and throat (ENT). Our consultants are ready to help you so that you can quickly receive the correct diagnosis, whether you are a private payer, have health insurance or come through the public waiting time guarantee.

All examinations can take place at CPH Privathospital, and you therefore have the same experienced consultant throughout the entire pathway.