Personal Assistants;
Wendy Brent
Kathy McLaughlin
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Salivary Gland Disease
There are 3 main paired salivary glands and hundreds of tiny minor salivary glands. The main glands are called the parotid, submandibular and sublingual glands. They produce the saliva and this empties into the oral cavity via ducts that open into the oral cavity. Salivary gland diseases include;
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tumours - most are benign but some are malignant
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stones and strictures - can block a gland and cause it to swell
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sialadenitis - inflammation of the gland from infection or systemic disease
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Salivary gland surgery involves preservation of important nerves that help to work the muscles of the face and tongue and also those that provide sensation to the face and tongue.
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"salivary gland surgery can be a challenge. Preservation of nerve function without tumour spillage is the aim"
Extracapsular dissection is a minimally invasive technique used to remove benign tumours of the salivary glands whilst preserving the nerve and much of the gland itself. Careful case selection is the key as not all cases are suitable.