SALIVARY GLAND SURGERY
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Introduction to salivary gland surgery
Salivary gland surgery is a surgical procedure to remove or improve the function of the gland. During surgery, doctors not only eliminate the cause of the problem, but also aim to restore normal function. In the case of salivary gland stones, the surgeon can remove the stone blocking the flow of saliva. However, in the case of tumours, complete excision of the gland may be necessary.
The procedure is usually performed under general anaesthesia, but this depends on the nature of the operation and the patient’s condition. The procedure is followed by rehabilitation and monitoring of the patient’s condition to ensure effective treatment and avoid possible complications.
Interwencja chirurgiczna dotycząca ślinianek jest istotnym krokiem w terapii schorzeń związanych z ich dysfunkcją i ma Surgical intervention on the salivary glands is an important step in the treatment of conditions associated with their dysfunction and has a significant impact on improving the quality of life of those affected. wpływ na poprawę jakości życia osób dotkniętych tymi problemami.
- CAUSES
- INDICATIONS
- DIAGNOSTICS
Causes of salivary gland surgery – salivary gland diseases
The main reasons for performing salivary gland surgery are:
- benign tumours,
- malignant tumours,
- salivary gland stones.
In addition, chronic gland inflammation can lead to gland dysfunction, resulting in a dry mouth feeling. Such a condition is not only inconvenient, but can lead to tooth decay and oral fungal infections.
When the first symptoms appear, it is extremely important to carry out a detailed diagnosis. This allows the cause of the dysfunction to be identified and decisions to be made about further treatment. The aim of surgical intervention is not only to alleviate symptoms, but also to improve the quality of life of sufferers.
Indications for surgical removal of salivary glands
In a few specific conditions, removal of the salivary glands is indicated. The following are the most common reasons why patients opt for surgery:
- Tumours of the large salivary glands are a heterogeneous group of lesions that may be benign or malignant. They are most commonly found in the parotid gland, less frequently in the submandibular and sublingual salivary glands. Early diagnosis and appropriate treatment are crucial for the prognosis of patients.
- Benign tumours of the salivary glands , which account for the majority of pathology, usually grow slowly and may remain asymptomatic for a long time. The typical symptom is a painless, hard, easily displaced tumour in the parotid or submandibular region and it is at this stage that the patient should see an ENT specialist, as an untreated benign tumour can develop into a malignant neoplasm. For benign tumours of the parotid gland, the treatment of choice is surgical removal of the tumour with a margin of healthy tissue (partial parotidectomy with preservation of facial nerve function) while for other salivary glands it is removal of the tumour together with the salivary gland.
- Malignant tumours account for approximately 15-30% of salivary gland tumours. Unlike benign lesions, malignant tumours grow much faster. They can be hard, immobile and poorly demarcated from the surrounding tissues, also causing pain in the tumour area. In addition, facial nerve paralysis or paresis characterised by drooping of the corner of the mouth or difficulty in closing the eye on the side of the tumour may also occur. The treatment of choice is surgical treatment often combined with systemic treatment.If you notice:
Rapidly growing, hard tumour in the parotid or submandibular region
Pain in the salivary gland area
Facial movement disorders (e.g. drooping of the corner of the mouth)
Enlarged cervical lymph nodes
Skin ulceration or bleeding Urgently see an ENT specialist, these are alarm symptoms for salivary gland tumours.- Salivary gland stones are a condition where deposits (stones) form in the salivary ducts, which can lead to blockage and inflammation. Symptoms depend on the location of the stone and the extent to which saliva outflow is blocked.
The most characteristic symptom – pain and enlargement of the salivary gland, which is exacerbated during eating (so-called 'meal pain’). This is caused by the increased production of saliva, which cannot drain freely due to a stone blocking the duct.
Pre-operative diagnostics and imaging
Before proceeding with surgery, it is extremely important to carry out a detailed diagnosis. In this context, various imaging techniques are used, among which ultrasound is very popular. Ultrasound examination allows not only the visualisation of the salivary glands, but also the identification of potential pathologies, such as deposits or neoplastic lesions.
If a malignant tumour of the salivary gland is suspected, or when the ultrasound examination leaves the doctor in doubt before surgery, it is advisable to extend the diagnosis. Other methods are also included in the process, such as:
- magnetic resonance (RM),
- contrast-enhanced computed tomography (CT),
- biopsy of the gland.All of these procedures are crucial in deciding whether or not to proceed with surgical intervention. They enable the doctor to plan an appropriate treatment strategy.
Salivary gland ultrasound as a diagnostic method
Ultrasound (ultrasonography) of the salivary glands is a non-invasive imaging study that assesses the structure and function of the salivary glands. It is one of the primary diagnostic methods for detecting diseases of the salivary glands.
During the examination, the doctor assesses:
- Size and shape of salivary glands
- Echogenicity (i.e. tissue structure)
- Presence of stones, cysts, nodules
- Saliva ducts
Advantages of salivary gland ultrasound:
Non-invasive and safe – does not use X-rays.
Quick and accessible – the result is often available immediately after the test.
Precise – allows detection of many pathologies at an early stage.
Can be repeated many times – ideal for monitoring changes.
Salivary gland biopsy and its significance
Biopsy is an extremely important tool in the diagnosis of salivary gland problems, especially in situations where cancer is suspected. It is usually performed as a fine-needle biopsy, which allows a tissue sample to be taken from the tumour. This is a key stage that enables the characteristics of the lesions to be assessed and decisions to be made regarding further treatment.
A fine-needle biopsy (BAC) of the salivary gland is a minimally invasive and safe diagnostic method , mainly used to assess tumours and pathological changes in the salivary glands. It allows a sample of cells to be taken from a suspicious lesion and analysed microscopically. It is particularly helpful in cases of suspected salivary gland malignancy.
Otolaryngologists of Medicus Clinic
A visit to an otolaryngologist at Medicus Clinic is a key element in the comprehensive diagnosis and treatment of salivary gland disorders. Our experienced specialists carry out thorough examinations, select optimal treatment methods and offer effective solutions tailored to each patient’s needs.
