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Contents
  • Spotting the Signs
  • Conservative Management
  • Advanced Treatment Options

How Are Salivary Gland Stones Diagnosed and Treated?

How Are Salivary Gland Stones Diagnosed and Treated?

The Solution

When it comes to salivary gland stones, how do doctors figure out what's wrong and fix it? Let's explore the process.
Contents
  • Spotting the Signs
  • Conservative Management
  • Advanced Treatment Options

Spotting the Signs

Doctors diagnose salivary gland stones through a combination of symptoms and physical exams. Pain and swelling often occur with eating, and stones can sometimes be felt or seen in the mouth. Imaging techniques like CT scans and ultrasounds help confirm the diagnosis.

Conservative Management

Treatment often starts with simple home remedies. Staying hydrated, applying warm compresses, and sucking on sour candies can help in mild cases. Pain relief is usually managed with NSAIDs, and antibiotics are prescribed if an infection is suspected.
Salivary gland stones are calcifications that block the ducts of salivary glands, leading to symptoms like pain and swelling, especially during eating.

Advanced Treatment Options

For stubborn stones, minimally invasive procedures like sialoendoscopy may be necessary. This involves using tiny tools to remove stones through the ducts. In rare cases, surgical removal of the affected gland might be required.

FAQs

How are salivary stones diagnosed?

Through symptoms, exams, and imaging like CT scans.

What home remedies help?

Hydration, warm compresses, and sour candies can help.

When is surgery needed?

Surgery is considered if stones don't respond to other treatments.

Did you know about sialoendoscopy?

It's a minimally invasive way to remove stones.

The Bottom Line

Early diagnosis and treatment are key to managing salivary gland stones.
Think you might have a stone? Try discussing your options with Doctronic!
Additional References
  1. Thomas WW, Douglas JE, Rassekh CH. Accuracy of Ultrasonography and Computed Tomography in the Evaluation of Patients Undergoing Sialendoscopy for Sialolithiasis. Otolaryngol Head Neck Surg 2017; 156:834.
  2. Zenk J, Koch M, Klintworth N, et al. Sialendoscopy in the diagnosis and treatment of sialolithiasis: a study on more than 1000 patients. Otolaryngol Head Neck Surg 2012; 147:858.
This article has been reviewed for accuracy by one of the licensed medical doctors working for Doctronic.