Salivary Gland and Duct Stones

What are Salivary gland and duct stones ?

The chemicals in the saliva can sometimes crystalise to form stones. These stones can block the salivary gland and ducts. Why some people have stones in their salivary gland or ducts is still unknown. Majority of stones occur in the submandibular gland. When stone blocks up the salivary duct system, saliva backs up into the gland. This causes pain and swelling in the gland which is worse during meals. In some cases, the gland can be infected, resulting in fever, pain as well as redness and tenderness over the gland. The assessment for a salivary gland stone involves a thorough clinical history, physical examination and likely an imaging scan (usually a CT scan of the neck region). Treatment of salivary duct or gland stones depends on the size and location of the stone. Small stones ( <5mm) can be observed and may pass out on its own by stimulating production of saliva (e.g. taking sour sweet or food). Larger submandibular stones can be removed either through a small cut in the mouth (Figure 1a-d), by a minimally invasive procedure called sialendoscopy (Figure 2a-c) or by removing the salivary gland.