Dr Elad Dagan
Otolaryngology
Head and Neck Surgery

Salivary gland swelling refers to enlargement or tenderness in the glands that produce saliva, usually under the jaw (submandibular glands), in front of the ears (parotid glands), or under the tongue (sublingual glands). Swelling can occur suddenly or develop over time and may be painful or painless depending on the cause. It can occur in children as well, usually of the parotid glands.

Common causes include: Salivary gland stones (sialolithiasis) – the most frequent cause Salivary duct stenosis and strictures Infections (viral or bacterial) Autoimmune conditions (like Sjögren’s syndrome) Tumours (benign or malignant) Mucous cysts or trauma Juvenile recurrent Parotitis in children and young adults

Symptoms may include: Swelling under the jaw or in front of the ear Pain that sometimes may worsens while eating Dry mouth or bad taste (salty) Pus or discharge from the duct opening Recurrent infections

Diagnosis typically involves: Clinical examination By an ENT specialist Imaging such as Ultrasound, CT scan or MRI. In some cases, sialendoscopy is used as a diagnostic tool to directly visualise the duct and identify stones or strictures.

Sialendoscopy is a minimally invasive procedure used to diagnose and treat disorders of the salivary glands. A small endoscope is inserted into the gland duct, allowing the surgeon to view inside the duct system and: Remove salivary stones Dilate narrowed ducts Flush out debris or infection Sialendoscopy often avoids the need for open surgery and helps preserve the gland.

Sialendoscopy is usually done under local or general anaesthesia and is well tolerated. Most patients experience minimal discomfort and can go home the same day.

If the stone is too large or impacted, a combined approach may be needed, involving both sialendoscopy and a small surgical incision. In rare cases where the gland is severely damaged, surgical removal of the gland may be considered.

Gland preservation Minimally invasive Faster recovery Reduced risk of complications Performed as a day procedure in most case

Sialendoscopy in Northland is performed by Dr Elad Dagan, an experienced ENT and Head & Neck Surgeon with a special interest in salivary gland disorders. He offers both diagnostic and therapeutic sialendoscopy for suitable patients.

You should book a consultation if you have: Recurrent swelling or pain which could be related to your salivary glands Symptoms or swelling during meals A lump in the neck or under the jaw Persistent dry mouth or bad taste