Disorders of the Oral Cavity and Salivary Glands

Diseases of the salivary glands include sialadenosis, sialadenitis, sialolithiasis, and neoplasms. Sialadenosis is a chronic, bilateral, noninflammatory hypertrophy of the salivary glands. Sialadenitis results from inflammation or infection of the glands, and sialolithiasis is due to stone formation in the glands or ducts. Neoplasms of the salivary gland may be benign or malignant. All of these conditions manifest as salivary gland enlargement. Other clinical factors help differentiate these conditions, such as symmetry, the presence of pain, associated conditions and risk factors, and growth or stability. The diagnosis is often clinical, though imaging and biopsy may be needed. Management varies depending on the disease.