What is a salivary gland lump?

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 glands consist of the parotid glands, submandibular glands beneath the jaw, and sublingual glands under the tongue, all of which work together to produce saliva for digestion and oral health.

What causes a salivary gland lump?

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.

What are the symptoms of a salivary gland lump?

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:

Swelling or a palpable lump in the mouth, cheek, jaw, or neck area
Pain or discomfort in the affected area, which may worsen when eating or chewing
Dry mouth or a noticeable decrease in saliva production
Difficulty swallowing or opening the mouth wide
Numbness or weakness in the face, particularly if the lump presses on nearby nerves
Pus or foul-tasting fluid draining from the mouth
Fever or general malaise if the lump is associated with an infection
Change in the shape of the face or noticeable asymmetry
Persistent sore throat or difficulty speaking (in some cases)

Is a salivary gland lump painful?

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.

Swelling or a palpable lump in the mouth, cheek, jaw, or neck area is a common symptom of a salivary gland lump, which indicates abnormal growth.

Who is at risk of developing a salivary gland lump in Singapore?

In Singapore, certain factors may increase the risk of developing a salivary gland lump: Here are the common risk factors:

Age: individuals over the age of 50 are at higher risk because, as the body ages, cellular changes and mutations become more common, which increases the likelihood of both benign and malignant tumours in the salivary glands.
Radiation exposure: previous radiation treatments or occupational exposure to the head and neck region can damage the cells of the salivary glands, leading to mutations that may result in the formation of lumps or tumours.
Smoking: smoking introduces carcinogens into the body that can affect the cells in the salivary glands, increasing the risk of developing both benign and malignant tumours.
Heavy alcohol consumption: chronic alcohol intake can lead to cellular changes and weaken the immune system, which makes it easier for abnormal growths, including salivary gland lumps, to develop.
Chronic inflammation or infections: a history of recurrent sialadenitis (inflammation of the salivary glands) or mumps can cause repeated damage to the salivary glands, leading to the formation of lumps due to scarring, obstruction, or abnormal cellular growth.
Viral infections: certain viral infections, such as the Epstein-Barr virus or HIV, can increase the risk of developing salivary gland tumours by causing changes in the immune system or directly affecting the glandular tissues.

How is a salivary gland lump diagnosed?

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:

Medical history and physical examination: our doctor starts by conducting a detailed medical examination, which helps them understand your symptoms. During this procedure, the doctor also examines the lump to determine its size, texture, and tenderness.
Imaging studies: our doctor may also recommend an ultrasound or MRI scan to obtain a detailed view of the salivary glands, which helps us determine the nature and location of the lump.
Fine-needle aspiration (FNA): if further analysis is needed, our healthcare team may perform an FNA biopsy, where a small sample of cells is taken from the lump for examination under a microscope to determine if it is benign or malignant.
Additional tests: depending on the findings, our doctors may suggest additional tests, such as blood work or a CT scan, to gather more information and ensure an accurate diagnosis.

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.

What are the treatment options for a salivary gland lump?

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:

Observation: for benign and asymptomatic lumps, regular monitoring may be first recommended to track any changes in size or symptoms over time before introducing any intervention.
Medication: if the lump is caused by an infection or inflammation, you may be prescribed antibiotics or anti-inflammatory medications to address the underlying cause.
Minimally invasive procedures: for small, benign lumps or cysts, a minimally invasive procedure such as needle aspiration may be necessary to drain fluid or remove the lump.
Surgical removal: if the lump is large, causing symptoms, or has characteristics that suggest malignancy, a surgical removal of the affected salivary gland or the lump would be typically recommended.
Radiation therapy: in cases where the lump is malignant and surgery alone may not be sufficient, radiation therapy may be prescribed to target and eliminate any remaining cancerous cells.
Post-treatment follow-up: after treatment, we will provide regular follow-up care to monitor your recovery and ensure the best possible outcome.

If you suspect a lump in your salivary gland, schedule a consultation with NC Tan Surgery today for expert evaluation and personalised care.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can a salivary gland lump go away on its own?

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.

What should I do if my salivary gland lump becomes painful or grows in size?

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.

Is a biopsy always necessary for a salivary gland lump?

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.

Can salivary gland lumps recur after treatment?

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.

Are there non-surgical treatment options for salivary gland lumps?

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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