Each gland — parotid, submandibular, and sublingual — has a distinct location and duct system, and conditions affecting them require site-specific surgical expertise to avoid damage to nearby nerves
Salivary gland surgery addresses a wide spectrum of conditions, from non-cancerous lumps and salivary stones (sialolithiasis) to malignant tumors requiring oncological resection.
The parotid gland surrounds the facial nerve, and the sublingual gland sits adjacent to the lingual nerve — making expert surgical technique critical to preserving normal facial movement and tongue sensation.
Visible or palpable swelling around the jaw, cheek, or below the ear — especially if it appears repeatedly or grows progressively — is the most common presenting sign of a salivary gland problem.
A sharp or cramping pain in the cheek or jaw that occurs when eating or anticipating food is a hallmark symptom of a salivary duct stone blocking saliva flow.
Reduced saliva production due to blocked or damaged glands can cause persistent dry mouth, difficulty chewing, and discomfort while speaking.
A firm, painless lump inside the cheek, under the jaw, or near the ear may indicate a benign pleomorphic adenoma or, in some cases, a malignant salivary gland tumor.
Weakness, asymmetry, or numbness in the face associated with a parotid swelling may indicate malignant involvement of the facial nerve — requiring urgent evaluation.
Repeated episodes of swelling, redness, fever, and pus discharge from the mouth or cheek point to chronic sialadenitis (salivary gland infection), often caused by recurring duct obstruction.
Progressive difficulty in opening the mouth or swallowing, combined with a neck or jaw lump, should be evaluated promptly for possible malignancy.
Calcium mineral deposits form within the salivary ducts, blocking saliva flow and causing pain, swelling, and infection — most commonly affecting the submandibular gland.
Repeated bacterial or viral infections inflame the gland, causing scarring and reduced function — often triggered by dehydration, poor oral hygiene, or duct obstruction.
Pleomorphic adenoma is the most common benign salivary gland tumor, typically appearing in the parotid gland as a slow-growing, painless lump — requiring surgical removal to prevent malignant transformation.
Mucoepidermoid carcinoma and adenoid cystic carcinoma are the most common malignant salivary gland cancers, requiring oncological surgical resection with or without adjunct therapy.
Sjögren's syndrome and other autoimmune disorders cause chronic inflammation and swelling of the salivary glands, often leading to significant dry mouth and recurrent infections.
A thorough examination combined with ultrasound, CT, or MRI imaging accurately identifies the type, size, and location of the salivary gland condition — forming the basis of the surgical plan.
A thin micro-endoscope is inserted into the salivary duct to locate and remove stones without open surgery — an outpatient procedure with minimal scarring and rapid recovery, often resolving symptoms immediately.
Surgical removal of part or all of the parotid gland — performed with meticulous care to identify and preserve the facial nerve running through the gland, protecting facial movement and expression.
The submandibular gland is surgically removed through a small incision under the jawline — used for recurrent stone disease, chronic infection, or tumors affecting the gland.
Removal of the sublingual gland is performed through an intraoral incision under the tongue — most commonly for ranula or tumors — with careful preservation of the nearby lingual nerve.
For malignant salivary gland tumors, complete surgical excision with clear margins is performed alongside selective or comprehensive neck dissection to address lymph node involvement.
Schedule your consultation at our Jubilee Hills clinic at a time that suits you.
Thorough examination of your jaw, bite, muscles, and joint plus review of imaging if available.
Clear explanation of your diagnosis with a personalized, staged treatment roadmap.
Start your individualized treatment with ongoing support through recovery and long-term follow-up.