Salivary Gland Masses (Submandibular/Parotid)

What are the symptoms?
  • Swelling and pain along the cheeks or under the jaw
  • Fever
  • Enlarging growth which may or may not cause pain
What’s going on behind the scenes?
The major salivary glands are located along both sides of the cheeks (parotid glands) and below the jaw area (submandibular gland). The primary purpose of these glands is to produce saliva to help lubricate food and keep the mouth comfortable. Reduction of salivary production is most commonly due to side effects of medications, even common such as antihistamines (benadryl, claritin, allegra, zyrtec). This reduction of saliva can lead to formation of salivary stones which cause obstruction of the ducts.

Stone obstruction is usually managed conservatively without any surgical intervention. Growths can be found in the parotid and submandibular glands as well. Both benign and malignant (cancerous) masses can grow within the salivary tissues.
How Tucson ENT can help
If salivary swelling is recurrent, then please make an appointment for further evaluation for causes like hyperparathyroidism or autoimmune processes. For growths, imaging with a CT scan and a fine needle aspiration is standard evaluation. This will provide the extent of involvement and a preliminary diagnosis. Ultimately, surgical excision is still the best management if a growth is discovered in the salivary glands.
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Salivary Gland Masses (Submandibular/Parotid)

East Office

(520) 296-8500

2121 N. Craycroft Rd. Building 5
Tucson, Arizona 85704

Hours

8AM - 12:30PM
1:30PM - 5:00PM
Mon - Fri

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Northwest Office

(520) 575-1272

1358 W. Orange Grove Rd.
Tucson, Arizona 85704

Hours

8AM - 12:30PM
1:30PM - 5:00PM
Mon - Fri

Northwest Office Appointment


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Any information provided on this Web site should not be considered medical advice or a substitute for a consultation with a physician. If you have a medical problem, contact your local physician for diagnosis and treatment.