SALIVARY GLAND SURGERY
The salivary glands are a group of glands that are located around the mouth. Their primary role is to produce saliva that aids the first step of digestion.
The salivary glands are:
Parotid gland: There are two one on each side. They are wrapped around the vertical part of the jaw.
Submandibular gland: Also a paired gland. They are located beneath the floor of the mouth, and are sometimes palpable along the horizontal part of the jaw.
Sublingual glands: They are located under the tongue adjacent to the submandibular glands.
Minor salivary glands: There are over 600 minor salivary glands located in the oral cavity.
These glands are affected by a myriad of pathological conditions; from common and simple conditions such as sialolithiasis (salivary gland stones) to salivary gland tumours.
The close relationship of the parotid gland to the facial nerve and the submandibular to the marginal nerve (branch of the facial nerve that supplies the muscles of the chin) makes this area a field that requires considerable training and expertise to avoid complications.
Experience in Head and Neck surgery is vital, particularly when this experience was acquired after general surgery training. A general surgeon that sub-specialised in Head and Neck is usually the best choice for this type of surgery; it allows for a more comprehensive understanding of the anatomy as well as more resources when dealing with unexpected problems.
Dr. Oddone specialises in the treatment of salivary glands namely:
- Sialolithiasis
- Salivary benign tumours
- Salivary malignant conditions
