Salivary gland duct stones

As Ear, Nose, and Throat Specialists, we often see patients with stones arising in the salivary glands. The most common gland involved is the submandibular salivary gland, located below the angle of the jaw. The parotid salivary gland located on the cheek is less commonly affected.

Presenting symptoms

• Swelling of the gland with eating, sometimes with pain (mealtime syndrome)
• A visible stone in the floor of the mouth
• An infection of the gland causing severe pain with fever

Causes

• Dehydration
• High concentration of calcium in saliva
• Infection of the submandibular gland
• A tortuous duct that drains the gland

This patient saw me with a two-day history of “mealtime” syndrome.” He noticed a stone in the floor of his mouth.

I undertook a simple procedure of removing the stone in the clinic. This was followed by an immediate gush of saliva, which provided instant relief to the patient.

A procedure called sialendoscopy is useful in patients with less visible stones that are further down in the duct. In some cases, very large stones embedded within the submandibular salivary gland may require excision.

Dr Jeeve Kanagalingam

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