Overview

The parotid glands are the largest of the three major salivary glands, located in front of and just below each ear. These glands produce saliva, which aids in digestion, keeps the mouth moist, and helps prevent tooth decay by washing away food particles and bacteria.

Function of the Parotid Gland:

• Saliva Production: The parotid glands produce a serous, or watery, type of saliva that begins the process of starch digestion in the mouth.
• Oral Health: Saliva produced by the parotid glands helps cleanse the mouth and teeth, and contains enzymes that aid in the breakdown of food particles.

Common Disorders:

• Parotitis: Inflammation of the parotid gland, often caused by bacterial or viral infections such as mumps. Symptoms include swelling, pain, and redness in the area around the gland.
• Salivary Stones (Sialolithiasis): Calcified stones that can block the ducts of the parotid gland, causing pain and swelling, especially during meals when saliva production increases.
• Tumors: Both benign and malignant tumors can develop in the parotid gland. Benign tumors like pleomorphic adenomas are more common but can become cancerous over time.
• Sjogren’s Syndrome: An autoimmune disorder that affects the salivary glands, leading to dry mouth and eyes.

Symptoms of Parotid Gland Disorders:

• Swelling and pain in front of or below the ears
• Dry mouth or persistent bad taste
• Difficulty opening the mouth or swallowing
• Fever and chills (if infection is present)
• Visible lumps near the gland
• Facial pain or numbness (in cases of tumors)

Diagnosis:

Diagnosis of parotid gland disorders typically involves a physical examination and review of symptoms. Additional diagnostic tests may include:

• Imaging Tests: Ultrasound, CT scans, or MRI to detect stones, tumors, or other abnormalities.
• Sialography: An X-ray of the salivary ducts after injecting a dye to highlight blockages.
• Fine Needle Aspiration (FNA): A minimally invasive procedure to collect a sample of cells from a lump for laboratory analysis.

Treatment:

• Parotitis: Treatment may include antibiotics for bacterial infections, hydration, and warm compresses to relieve pain and swelling.
• Salivary Stones: Small stones may pass on their own with hydration and massage. Larger stones may require surgical removal or minimally invasive techniques such as sialendoscopy.
• Tumors: Benign tumors may be monitored or surgically removed, while malignant tumors may require surgery, radiation therapy, or chemotherapy.
• Sjogren’s Syndrome: Management focuses on relieving symptoms with medications to increase saliva production and treatments to address dry eyes.