Parotid Gland and Submandibular Triangle - LO 8

8. What are potential problems/pathologies involving the major salivary glands?

Parotid gland infection

Infections can enter the parotid region via the bloodstream, leading to parotiditis (inflammation of the parotid gland). Parotiditis can cause severe pain due to the limitations of swelling by the parotid sheath. Mumps (epidemic parotitis), a viral disease, can lead to inflammation of the parotid gland and duct.

Salivary gland stones

Salivary sialolith/calculus (sialolithiasis) are caused by the calcification/crystallization of components (in particular, calcium) of saliva. These stones can become lodged in the associated ducts (parotid, submandibular), resulting in significant pain. These are most commonly associated with the submandibular gland and duct.

Salivary gland tumor

The highest frequency of salivary gland tumors occur in the parotid gland, and most are benign. A common procedure for removal of the tumor is parotidectomy, excision of parotid gland tissue. Extreme care must be taken to not damage neurovascular structures within or deep to the parotid gland, particularly facial n. (CN VII) branches, as they are the most superficial of these structures.

The submandibular gland may also be excised in cases of tumor or calculus removal, and care to not injure the lingual n. in cases of excision of the submandibular duct.