Salivary Gland Disorders & Surgery in Sukkur

The main salivary glands are the parotid glands (in front of the ears), the submandibular glands (under the jaw) and the sublingual glands (under the tongue), along with many minor glands in the lips and cheeks. Problems include blocked ducts and stones, infections, mucoceles and ranulas, and benign or malignant tumours.

• Swelling under the jaw or in front of the ear, especially at mealtimes
• Pain, a bad taste or pus in the mouth
• A painless lump in the cheek, jaw or neck
• A soft bluish swelling on the lip or under the tongue
• Dry mouth, or facial weakness with a gland lump (needs urgent review)

See a specialist for recurrent swelling at mealtimes, a persistent lump in a salivary gland, or any gland swelling with facial weakness, numbness or rapid growth.

Salivary glands lie close to the facial nerve and other important structures. The Oral & Maxillofacial Surgeon diagnoses gland conditions and performs appropriate surgery on the minor and major glands, or refers when a combined approach is best.

Investigations may include ultrasound, fine-needle aspiration cytology (FNAC), CT or MRI, and sialography. Gland tumours need a tissue diagnosis to plan surgery correctly.

The options below are a general overview. The right approach for you depends on your examination, imaging and any biopsy or pathology findings.

• Minor procedures heal in one to two weeks
• After major gland surgery, a short hospital stay and drain may be needed
• Temporary facial nerve weakness can occur after parotid surgery and usually recovers
• Follow-up to review pathology and healing

You will receive specific aftercare instructions for your procedure.

Malignant salivary tumours are managed within a multidisciplinary head & neck team, and may involve ENT, oncology and radiotherapy colleagues.