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Bachelor of Medicine and Surgery MBChB (UCT).
Fellow of South African College of Surgeons
Diploma in Obstetrics & Gynaecology
Submandibular Gland Excision
What is a Submandibular gland excision?
The submandibular gland is one of a pair of glands located beneath the lower jaw of the mouth. The submandibular glands, about the size of walnuts, are the second largest salivary gland after the parotid glands, which make up one of the three essential glands that secrete saliva.
The submandibular glands have a critical role to play, aiding in swallowing, chewing and digestion. They also help maintain good oral hygiene by cleaning the mouth and teeth. Even when not stimulated, the submandibular glands provide sufficient saliva to the mouth, but the parotid glands, when prompted, secrete a majority of saliva.
Submandibular gland excision is the surgical resection of the submandibular gland when the gland becomes obstructed, or an infection occurs inside the gland.
Why do I need a submandibular gland excision?
Sialolithiasis arises from the build-up of mineral deposits called salivary stones. Salivary stones develop not only in the salivary glands but also in the submandibular glands due to trauma to the mouth, dehydration, and gum disease.
Sialadenitis is an infection of the salivary glands. An infection that arises from bacteria (Staphylococcus aureus) or viral mumps in the salivary glands affects the parotid and submandibular glands. Infection is most likely to occur when the gland becomes blocked due to an accumulation of mineral deposits (salivary stones) or as a result of dehydration or an autoimmune disorder called Sjögren’s syndrome.
Diagnosis
A diagnosis involves ruling out a condition called Xerostomia, which means dry mouth. A scan capturing images of the salivary glands is one way of doing this. A salivary gland scan involves using a tracer, a radioactive chemical, and a camera to take detailed pictures of the salivary glands.
The tracer is fed intravenously via a vein in the arm. As the tracer runs through the blood into the salivary glands, a camera captures images of the tracer's flow.
The scan helps to locate the cause of inflammation in the major salivary glands due to an abscess or cyst. It is also done to assess a growth in the parotid gland, which may either be a benign tumour or occur due to cancer.
Additional imaging tests (x-ray, CT scan, PET scan and MRI) are done to check for salivary gland tumours. Fine needle aspiration is also conducted to remove suspicious cells for lab analysis.
Treatment
An incision is made along the crease of your neck underneath the jawline. As a result, the doctor is able to remove the gland through this cut, separating it from nearby blood vessels, muscles and nerves.
Recovery
The patient is usually placed under a general anaesthetic and is able to return home the following day. The area underneath the jaw will be sore, swollen and bruised for a few days after the procedure. It takes approximately one to two weeks for the incision to heal.
FAQ
Swollen salivary glands-
Painful salivary glands
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Pain that worsens when eating
When left untreated, sialolithiasis can lead to infection.
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Swelling of the affected gland
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Pain in the area close to the gland
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Discharge (pus) emanating from the gland
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Fever
Both benign and malignant tumours may be present in the salivary glands. These cancerous tumours include:
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Muco-epidermoid carcinoma is a common salivary gland cancer.
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Adenoid cystic carcinoma travels through the nerves.
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Adenocarcinoma is a cancer that originates in gland cells.
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Mixed tumours are considered life-threatening and include various tissue types such as carcinoma and an evolving mixed tumour.
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Uncommon cancers of the salivary gland are squamous cell carcinoma and myoepithelial carcinoma.
Please note: The information provided above and on this website is for education and interest purposes only. It is not intended to replace a personal one-on-one consultation, nor is it meant to substitute professional medical advice, diagnose or treat any condition. A consultation with a specialist and qualified health care provider such as Dr. Mitchell or Dr. Munda is essential for correct diagnosis and management, as well as to answer any queries that you may have. Never disregard or delay in seeking professional medical advice due to something you have read on this website. Dr. Mitchell and Dr. Munda take no responsibility for any errors or omissions present on this website and they are not liable for any consequences that may occur from a misinterpretation of the information on this website. In the event of uncertainty or an emergency, please visit your nearest casualty.