Otolaryngology - Head & Neck Surgery
Salivary Gland Disorders
Salivary glands produce saliva, which helps moisten the mouth, support digestion, protect dental health, and facilitate speaking and swallowing.
The body contains three major salivary glands on each side of the face and neck, along with hundreds of smaller salivary glands throughout the mouth and throat.
A variety of conditions can affect these glands, including:
Viral or bacterial infections
Chronic inflammation (sialadenitis)
Formation of salivary stones
Benign tumors or cysts
Salivary cancers
Salivary gland disorders are relatively uncommon and often require specialized evaluation. Symptoms may include swelling of the face or neck, pain during eating, recurrent infections, dry mouth, or the development of a mass within the salivary glands. While many salivary gland tumors are benign, proper evaluation is important to determine the cause and guide treatment.
Expert care for salivary gland problems, from diagnosis to treatment
At USF Health, we have established a dedicated program focused on the diagnosis and treatment of salivary gland disorders. Because these conditions are relatively rare, patients benefit from the expertise of specialists who routinely care for the full spectrum of salivary gland diseases, from chronic inflammation and salivary stones to complex tumors requiring surgery.
Our team offers advanced diagnostic testing, office-based ultrasound, minimally invasive salivary endoscopy, and comprehensive surgical care for disorders of the parotid, submandibular, and minor salivary glands. Whenever possible, we use gland-preserving and minimally invasive techniques designed to maintain normal salivary function while effectively treating the underlying condition.
Highlights of our program
Dedicated salivary gland specialty program
Expertise in parotid, submandibular, and minor salivary gland disorders
Advanced salivary endoscopy and minimally invasive techniques
Salivary gland-preserving treatment whenever possible
Comprehensive care for benign and complex salivary gland tumors
Point-of-care ultrasound and office-based diagnostic procedures
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Expert evaluation for salivary gland masses
Most salivary gland tumors are benign, but some require specialized treatment. Our team has the expertise and diagnostic tools to provide an accurate diagnosis and guide you to the right care.
Conditions, treatments and care
Conditions we treat:
Inflammatory and Obstructive Disorders
Chronic sialadenitis
Recurrent salivary gland swelling
Salivary stones (sialolithiasis)
Salivary duct narrowing (stenosis)
Salivary gland infections
Sjögren's syndrome and other inflammatory disorders
Benign Salivary Gland Tumors
Pleomorphic adenoma
Warthin tumor
Benign salivary cysts
Recurrent benign salivary tumors
Parotid gland masses
Submandibular gland masses
Other Salivary Conditions
Minor salivary gland disorders
Dry mouth conditions
Salivary fistulas and leaks
Disorders affecting salivary gland function
Diagnostic and treatment services:
Salivary Diagnostics
Fine needle aspiration of salivary masses
Biopsy of oral and palatal tumors
Minor salivary gland biopsy for inflammatory disorders
Point-of-care ultrasonography
Minimally Invasive Salivary Therapy
Diagnostic and therapeutic salivary endoscopy
Endoscopic salivary stone removal
Transoral stone removal
Parotid gland-sparing endoscopic-assisted stone removal
Treatment of salivary infections and inflammatory disorders
Botulinum toxin injection when appropriate
Surgical Services
Minimally invasive parotidectomy
Parotid surgery with facial nerve preservation
Submandibular gland surgery
Treatment of recurrent salivary tumors
Surgical management of complex salivary gland disorders
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For more questions about care or to schedule an appointment by phone, please call: (813) 821-8029.