Chronic sialadenitis is an inflammation of the salivary glands, in which periods of exacerbation alternate with periods of remission. This type of disease manifests itself differently in men, women and children. During reduced activity of the pathological process, symptoms of the inflammatory process are practically absent. During an exacerbation, there is a painful swelling in the cervical spine, an unpleasant taste in the mouth, and difficult salivation. Treatment is aimed at containing changes in the structure of the salivary gland tissue and eliminating painful symptoms.
Classification of forms of chronic sialadenitis
Depending on the area of localization and similarity of symptoms, three main forms of sialadenitis are distinguished:
- Parenchymal sialadenitis . Parenchyma is the collection of functional cells that make up the salivary gland. The inflammatory process is based on changes in cells of this type. Women are more often susceptible to this form of the disease. Parenchymal sialadenitis affects the parotid salivary glands.
- Interstitial sialadenitis. This type of inflammation occurs in the interlobular space of the gland. Most often it affects men. Interstitial sialadenitis affects the submandibular salivary glands.
- Ductal sialadenitis Occurs due to congenital pathology of the salivary ducts or as a result of their injury. Most often it occurs in older people.
General information
Sialadenitis is an inflammatory process in the salivary glands. In humans, there are three pairs of salivary glands in the oral cavity, which secrete saliva and discharge them into the oral cavity through special ducts, thereby ensuring a normal digestive process. These are the parotid , submandibular and sublingual glands.
The main functions of saliva are to soften food and also facilitate the process of swallowing it. During the inflammatory process, the production of saliva becomes difficult, and during the process of eating a person feels significant inconvenience. During the development of the disease, pain, swelling of the face, etc. are noted. If the process progresses, a purulent cavity or tumor may form. The disease develops in both young children and adults. Damage to the salivary glands requires consulting a doctor and carrying out the prescribed treatment. The ICD-10 code for sialadenitis is K11.2. How inflammatory diseases of the salivary glands manifest themselves, what treatment is most effective in such cases - this will be discussed in the article.
Tumor of the parotid salivary gland - causes of development
The causes of salivary gland cancer have not yet been precisely established. The main factors of occurrence are considered to be adverse environmental effects, excessive insolation, infectious and inflammatory diseases of the salivary gland, certain eating habits, and smoking. The factor that has the most negative effect is radiation in any of its manifestations - radiation therapy, repeated x-ray examinations, living in an area of high radiation, etc. There is also a connection with the professional type of activity of a person, since a tumor of the salivary gland most often appears in asbestos workers mines, metallurgical enterprises, automobile and woodworking plants. This is due to the constant contact of people in these professions with dangerous carcinogens - lead, chromium compounds, silicon, asbestos, etc. A high likelihood of developing cancer also exists in patients who have had mumps in the past. The factor of smoking today is controversial, since some scientists believe that it affects the development of certain types of cancer of the salivary glands, while others deny the connection of this bad habit with tumors of the salivary glands. Eating behavior can negatively affect the development of cancer processes in the human body if there is insufficient consumption of plant fiber, yellow and red fruits and vegetables, herbs and excessive consumption of cholesterol.
Pathogenesis
There are three pairs of major salivary glands in the human mouth. The parotids are located under the auricle in front and are the largest. The submandibular muscles are located under the lower jaw. Accordingly, sublingual - under the mucous membrane of the floor of the oral cavity on both sides of the tongue. These glands produce saliva, which is produced through ducts located in the oral cavity. Saliva ensures normal digestion by softening solid foods.
Reactive-dystrophic pathological processes occur in stages. At the initial stage , there are no symptoms of the inflammatory process, but the lymph stagnates near the blood vessels and ducts. The vessels become overfilled with blood, the lymph around the gland ducts stagnates, and the connective tissue loosens. The acini (terminal sections of the salivary gland) are completely preserved, and mucopolysaccharides and mucin accumulate in them.
The second stage of the disease is characterized by the presence of signs of an obvious chronic inflammatory process. There are signs of atrophic changes in the end parts of the gland, infiltrates are detected in the sclerotic stroma. Fibrous tissue appears near the excretory ducts of the gland. Lymphocytes and epithelial cells accumulate in the lumen of the ducts.
At the third stage, almost complete atrophy of the gland parenchyma occurs, and it is replaced by connective tissue. Blood vessels dilate, the ducts of the gland dilate or narrow if they are compressed by connective tissue.
Classification
Taking into account the peculiarities of the process, acute and chronic sialadenitis are distinguished.
According to nosological independence, two forms of the disease are distinguished:
- Primary is an independent disease.
- Secondary – a complication in the development of other diseases ( flu , sore throat , etc.).
Taking into account the causes of the development of the disease, the following are distinguished:
- Traumatic – a consequence of injuries and the influence of external factors.
- Radiation – a consequence of irradiation.
- Toxic – a consequence of chemical influence.
- Infectious – develops after infection.
- Allergic.
- Autoimmune.
- Obstructive - a consequence of blockage of the excretory duct by a foreign body or cicatricial narrowing of the duct.
According to the location of the lesion there are:
- Inflammation of the sublingual salivary gland - the inflammatory process of the sublingual gland is also called sublingual gland.
- Inflammation of the parotid salivary gland - in this case, the cheeks swell and there are signs of general intoxication. Sialadenitis of the parotid gland is also called mumps .
- Sialadenitis of the submandibular salivary gland is an inflammatory process of the submandibular salivary gland. When this gland is damaged, calculous sialadenitis , which is characterized by the development of stones in the ducts of the salivary glands or in their parenchyma.
Taking into account the condition of the parenchyma, the following forms of the disease are distinguished:
- interstitial sialadenitis - only stromal damage occurs.
- parenchymal sialadenitis - in addition to the stroma, the parenchyma is also affected.
Depending on the nature of the inflammatory process, the following forms of sialadenitis are distinguished:
- Purulent.
- Serous.
- Hemorrhagic.
- Connective tissue.
- Destructive.
- Granulomatous.
- Fibroplastic.
- Sialadenitis without deformation of the gland.
- Sialadenitis with scarring of the gland.
There are also epidemic and non-epidemic sialadenitis.
- The epidemic form of the disease develops against the background of viral diseases and infections.
- Non-epidemic form - diagnosed if there is a blockage of the salivary gland. Such blockage can develop as a result of injuries, salivary stones, or foreign bodies entering the ducts.
Causes
There are a number of factors that provoke the development of sialadenitis:
- Wrong approach to oral hygiene.
- Diseases in which the composition and viscosity of saliva changes.
- Postponed surgeries.
- Infectious diseases - influenza, encephalitis , herpes , ARVI , etc.
- Oral diseases – caries , pulpitis , periodontitis , etc.
- Dry mouth.
- Treatment with chemotherapy , radiation therapy .
- Diabetes.
- Disorders of mineral metabolism leading to stone formation.
The epidemic type of the disease develops as a result of infectious processes. Most often, this condition develops with mumps (mumps) . This virus is transmitted from infected people through airborne droplets.
The non-epidemic form of the disease is usually associated with blockage of the glands. This happens with injuries or exposure to foreign bodies. Also the cause of the development of this form of the disease is the so-called salivary stone disease ( sialolithiasis ). If a person develops sialolithiasis of the submandibular salivary gland, the resulting stones may block the ducts.
Adenoid cystic cancer of the salivary gland - diagnosis and treatment
The most accurate diagnosis can be determined after a detailed examination by an oncologist at the Yusupov Hospital, as well as based on the results of certain examinations. Diagnostic measures prescribed for suspected salivary gland cancer are:
- magnetic resonance imaging (MRI). The principle of this procedure is the use of a magnetic field and radio waves to visualize images of soft tissue, bones and internal organs. MRI is an absolutely painless and safe examination method and is widely used to check or confirm the diagnosis of salivary gland cancer;
- Ultrasound. An ultrasound examination is the first examination that an oncologist prescribes if salivary gland cancer is suspected. Ultrasound helps determine the size, diameter and exact location of the tumor. During the examination, a tumor biopsy is often performed;
- open biopsy. Such a diagnostic measure is rarely carried out, since there is a risk of damage to the facial nerve, and also due to the likelihood of damage to healthy areas of the skin through the spread of a malignant process;
- CT scan. This examination method allows you to visualize a three-dimensional image of internal organs or other parts of the body. CT is widely used to study a large number of diseases, including cancer, both for preliminary examination and to monitor the dynamics of the disease.
The technical equipment of the Yusupov Hospital allows any diagnostic procedure to be carried out with maximum accuracy. Patients of the Yusupov Hospital can be guaranteed to receive high-quality and competent interpretation of examination results, as well as further prescription of treatment - surgical or conservative.
Symptoms of salivary gland inflammation
The signs that inflammation manifests largely depend on where exactly the pathological process is localized.
submandibular sialadenitis develops , symptoms may be as follows:
- Pain in the submandibular area, which becomes worse when chewing.
- Swelling in the area of the salivary gland, which may increase.
- Temperature increase.
- Taste of salt or pus.
- Swelling of the face.
- Redness and swelling in the mouth.
If sialadenitis of the sublingual salivary gland , similar symptoms develop. The mouth of the exit ducts of the gland turns red and swelling develops. The pain may be more severe than with submandibular sialadenitis .
With parotid sialadenitis, more pronounced symptoms appear. There is marked swelling and asymmetry of the face, redness of the skin. The patient is bothered by dry mouth. The pain intensifies when palpating the affected area. The temperature rises and the general condition worsens. Shortness of breath may bother you . Palpation of the parotid salivary gland leads to the appearance of cloudy saliva mixed with pus.
Symptoms of salivary stone disease can manifest themselves in a similar way. I am concerned about soreness and dry mouth. At the same time, it is difficult for a person to open and close his mouth.
Parotid salivary gland cancer (ICD 10) - classification of tumors
All salivary gland tumors are divided into three main groups:
- malignant - sarcoma, adenocarcinoma of the salivary gland, carcinoma of the salivary gland, adenoid cystic carcinoma of the parotid gland, as well as metastatic and malignant tumors;
- benign – non-epithelial tumors (hemangiomas, chondromas, fibromas, lipomas, salivary gland lymphoma, neuromas) and epithelial (adenomas, adenolymphomas, mixed tumors);
- locally destructive - mucoepidermoid tumor of the parotid salivary gland, cylindroma, acinar cell neoplasms.
Doctors classify the stages of salivary gland cancer according to the TNM system:
- T0 – absence of neoplasm in the salivary gland;
- T1 – the tumor is present, its diameter is less than 2 cm and is not localized only within the gland;
- T2 – tumor diameter up to 4 cm, localization – within the salivary gland;
- T3 – neoplasm with a diameter within 6 cm, does not spread or spreads without affecting the facial nerve;
- T4 – the tumor reaches a diameter of more than 6-7 cm and spreads to the facial nerve and base of the skull;
- N0 – tumor without metastases to local lymph nodes;
- N1 – metastasis occurs in one adjacent lymph node;
- N2 – metastases are present in several lymph nodes, diameter – up to 6 cm;
- N3 – metastases affect several lymph nodes with a diameter of more than 6-7 cm;
- M0 – no distant metastases;
- M1 – distant metastases are present.
The stages of cancer are determined through a series of diagnostic measures that allow a comprehensive study of the tumor process and selection of the most appropriate treatment.
Tests and diagnosis of sialadenitis
Diagnosis of sialadenitis is carried out using clinical, instrumental and laboratory methods.
The essence of clinical methods is the collection of complaints and anamnesis. The doctor also examines the patient.
Laboratory methods - a general blood and urine test, a biochemical blood test are performed. A study of saliva is also carried out, in which, during the inflammatory process, leukocytes and an admixture of pus are found.
Hardware methods - diagnosis of diseases of the salivary glands involves, first of all, sialography with contrast, that is, x-rays of the gland. With the help of such a study, stones, narrowing of the lumen of the excretory duct, as well as other obstacles to the normal secretion of saliva are determined.
CT, MRI - it is advisable to carry out if the presence of stones is suspected.
Ultrasound - allows you to determine the structure of the gland and the characteristics of the inflammatory process.
Thermosialography – the temperature of the gland is measured.
Salivary gland biopsy - performed under ultrasound guidance.
Sialendoscopy.
Diagnosis of sialadenitis
Diagnosis involves a thorough analysis of the patient’s complaints, as well as palpation of the salivary gland. To clarify the diagnosis, cytological studies of salivary secretions are possible. , radiography with a contrast agent may be prescribed . The purpose of the study is to evaluate the gland tissue and the patency of the salivary ducts. X-rays are performed only after acute inflammation has been eliminated. The goal of diagnosis is to differentiate chronic sialadenitis from other diseases with similar symptoms:
- acute bacterial or viral sialadenitis;
- benign neoplasms;
- Herzenberg's pseudomumps;
- sialadenosis.
Treatment with folk remedies
Traditional methods in the treatment process can only be used as auxiliary ones. It is advisable to use the following methods of traditional treatment:
- Rinsing the mouth - for this purpose, a solution of soda and salt can be used (1 teaspoon of salt and soda for 1 glass of water). It is also recommended to rinse the mouth with infusions of herbs - sage, oak bark, calendula, chamomile. To prepare the infusion for rinsing, 2 tbsp. l. raw materials should be poured into 3 liters. boiling water Leave for an hour and rinse your mouth several times a day. In case of purulent processes, rinsing is contraindicated.
- To stimulate salivation, it is recommended to consume lemon juice, cranberry juice, and chewing candies.
- 5 tbsp. l. pine needles pour 1 liter of water, bring to a boil, leave and take 50 ml 2 times a day.
Tumor of the parotid salivary gland: treatment without surgery at the Yusupov Hospital
The prognosis for a salivary gland tumor entirely depends on the individual clinical picture of the patient. As a rule, it is more favorable for women.
Benign neoplasms are subject to surgical removal. Surgery for tumors of the parotid glands is associated with the risk of trauma to the facial nerve, therefore, both the surgical process and the rehabilitation period require careful monitoring by an oncologist. Possible postoperative complications are paralysis or paresis of facial muscles, as well as the occurrence of postoperative fistulas.
Salivary gland cancer most often involves combined treatment - surgery together with radiation therapy. Chemotherapy for tumors of the salivary glands is used extremely rarely due to the fact that in this case it is ineffective.
The treatment of salivary gland cancer at the Yusupov Hospital is carried out by experienced oncologists, whose professionalism has been repeatedly confirmed by international certificates and diplomas. Our doctors annually undergo advanced training courses, which allows them to use only the most modern and effective techniques in medical practice. The drugs used in the hospital or prescribed during treatment are safe and most effective.
To make an appointment with an oncologist at the Yusupov Hospital, you should call or write to the coordinating doctor on our website.
Diet
Diet to boost immunity
- Efficacy: therapeutic effect after 3 weeks
- Terms: 1-3 months or more
- Cost of products: 1600-1800 rubles. in Week
During the treatment period, it is recommended to eat properly to strengthen the immune system. Sometimes doctors advise sticking to the so-called salivary diet. However, if a patient is diagnosed with calculous sialadenitis, then in this case it is necessary to carry out mechanical removal of stones, since nutritional correction will not help cure the calculous type of disease.
The salivary diet involves introducing the following products into the menu:
- Sauerkraut, sour berry fruit drinks, lemon juice, pickles.
- Citrus.
- Sour lollipops.
- Fresh vegetables.
- Juices from cabbage, carrots.
- Rose hip decoction.
You need to exclude from your diet foods that contribute to the formation of stones:
- Cheeses, cottage cheese.
- Tofu.
- Almonds, sesame.
- Fish.
- Milk.
