Salivary glandsmake saliva and help with digestion.
About one in 100,000 Americans develop swelling as a result of salivary gland cancers.
This article will explore the causes, risk factors, and treatments of salivary gland swelling.
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The glands produce saliva, which moves through a small tunnelor ductbetween the gland and your mouth.
Impaired saliva flow can also dry your mouth out, making you more prone to developingcavities.
Risk Factors
Some people are at a higher risk of developingsalivary gland blockages.
What Is an Abscess?
Anabscessis a collection of pus that can form when you have an infection.
Self-Care
Home remedies can help relieve salivary gland swelling and pain sparked by the infection.
Medication
When a bacterial infection is the source of swelling, your healthcare provider may prescribeantibiotics.
They might also want to figure out the root cause of the infection.
If a salivary gland obstruction is at fault, the blockage may need to be cleared surgically.
Surgery
Removing fluid from the body(aspiration), may relieve salivary gland swelling.
During this procedure, a tiny camera and surgical tools are inserted into the gland to remove the blockage.
Summary
Causes of salivary gland infections can range from an obstruction to cancer.
A blocked salivary gland can be swollen and painful, but not always.
Other symptoms can include trouble opening your mouth or having a funny taste in your mouth.
American Cancer Society.Key statistics about salivary gland cancer.
American Cancer Society.What is salivary gland cancer?
National Institutes of Health.Saliva & salivary gland disorders.
American Cancer Society.Surgery for salivary gland cancer.
