A salivary gland lump is an abnormal growth or swelling that develops within one of the salivary glands. The salivary glands are responsible for producing saliva, which aids in digestion and helps keep the mouth moist. There are three pairs of major salivary glands: the parotid glands (located in front of the ears), the submandibular glands (beneath the jaw), and the sublingual glands (under the tongue).
Lumps can form in any of these glands and may vary in size, texture, and firmness. While some salivary gland lumps are benign (non-cancerous), others may be malignant (cancerous). Diagnosis and treatment depend on the nature of the lump, and it’s essential to consult a specialist for accurate evaluation and management.
Salivary gland lumps can arise due to a variety of underlying mechanisms, often related to disruptions in the normal function and structure of the salivary glands. One common cause is the obstruction of a salivary duct, which can lead to the accumulation of saliva and subsequent swelling. This blockage is often due to the formation of salivary stones (sialolithiasis), which are calcified masses that can impede the flow of saliva. Infections, such as bacterial or viral infections, can also cause inflammation and swelling of the salivary glands, leading to the development of a lump.
Additionally, abnormal cellular growth within the glandular tissues can result in the formation of benign or malignant tumours. Benign tumours, such as pleomorphic adenomas, typically grow slowly and remain localised, while malignant tumours, like mucoepidermoid carcinomas, can invade surrounding tissues and spread to other parts of the body. These processes disrupt the normal function of the salivary glands, leading to the development of a palpable lump that may cause pain, discomfort, or functional impairment.
When a salivary gland lump develops, it can present a variety of symptoms that may affect both the function and appearance of the affected area. These symptoms can vary depending on the underlying cause and the specific salivary gland involved. Below are the common symptoms associated with salivary gland lumps:
A salivary gland lump can be painful, but the level of discomfort often depends on the underlying cause of the lump. If the lump is due to an infection or an obstructed salivary duct, pain is typically one of the most noticeable symptoms. This pain may intensify when eating or drinking, as the production of saliva increases, leading to pressure buildup behind the blockage. Inflammatory conditions, such as sialadenitis, can also cause significant pain and tenderness in the affected gland.
However, not all salivary gland lumps are painful. Benign tumours, for instance, might grow slowly without causing any discomfort, and some malignant tumours may only cause mild or intermittent pain. It's essential to consult a healthcare professional to determine the exact cause of the lump and to assess the associated symptoms, including pain.
A salivary gland lump can be painful, but the level of discomfort often depends on the underlying cause of the lump. If the lump is due to an infection or an obstructed salivary duct, pain is typically one of the most noticeable symptoms. This pain may intensify when eating or drinking, as the production of saliva increases, leading to pressure buildup behind the blockage. Inflammatory conditions, such as sialadenitis, can also cause significant pain and tenderness in the affected gland.
However, not all salivary gland lumps are painful. Benign tumours, for instance, might grow slowly without causing any discomfort, and some malignant tumours may only cause mild or intermittent pain. It's essential to consult a healthcare professional to determine the exact cause of the lump and to assess the associated symptoms, including pain.
In Singapore, certain factors may increase the risk of developing a salivary gland lump: Here are the common risk factors:
At NC Tan Surgery, we take a comprehensive and personalised approach to diagnosing salivary gland lumps. Here’s how we proceed with diagnosing a salivary gland lump:
Personalised consultation: after completing the necessary tests, our healthcare expert will discuss the results with you and recommend the best course of action for treatment, tailored to your specific needs.
Most salivary glands would require surgery however, the possibility of introducing conservative measures is always weighed first. Additionally, certain benign salivary gland lumps are also at risk of becoming cancerous with time, thus, undergoing surgery to remove them before cancer sets in, is often recommended. At NC Tan Surgery, we offer a range of personalised treatment options for salivary gland lumps, tailored to your specific condition:
If you suspect a lump in your salivary gland, schedule a consultation with NC Tan Surgery today for expert evaluation and personalised care.
In some cases, especially if the lump is due to a minor infection or blockage, it may resolve on its own with proper hydration and home care. However, it’s important to consult a healthcare provider to ensure there’s no underlying serious condition that requires treatment.
If your lump becomes painful, increases in size, or causes other symptoms like difficulty swallowing or facial weakness, you should seek medical attention promptly. These changes could indicate a more serious condition that needs immediate evaluation and treatment.
Not always, but if there’s any suspicion of malignancy or if the lump has unclear characteristics, a biopsy is typically recommended to determine the nature of the lump. This helps in formulating an appropriate treatment plan.
Yes, salivary gland lumps can recur, especially if the underlying cause, such as chronic infection or autoimmune conditions, is not fully resolved. Regular follow-ups and monitoring are important to manage any potential recurrence effectively.
Yes, depending on the cause, non-surgical treatments like antibiotics for infections, sialendoscopy for stone removal, or gland massages may be effective. However, larger or malignant lumps often require surgical intervention for complete treatment.
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