$Unique_ID{BRK04219} $Pretitle{} $Title{Sialadenitis} $Subject{Sialadenitis Salivary Gland Infection Stone in Salivary Gland Sialolithiasis Sjogren Syndrome Mixed Tumor of the Salivary Gland Periodic Sialadenosis } $Volume{} $Log{} Copyright (C) 1987, 1989 National Organization for Rare Disorders, Inc. 356: Sialadenitis ** IMPORTANT ** It is possible the main title of the article (Sialadenitis) is not the name you expected. Please check the SYNONYMS listing to find the alternate names, disorder subdivisions, and related disorders covered by this article. Synonyms Salivary Gland Infection Stone in Salivary Gland Sialolithiasis Information on the following diseases can be found in the Related Disorders section of this report: Mikulicz Syndrome Sjogren Syndrome Mixed Tumor of the Salivary Gland Periodic Sialadenosis General Discussion ** REMINDER ** The information contained in the Rare Disease Database is provided for educational purposes only. It should not be used for diagnostic or treatment purposes. If you wish to obtain more information about this disorder, please contact your personal physician and/or the agencies listed in the "Resources" section of this report. Sialadenitis is a disorder characterized by a stone in the salivary gland or duct. Painful swelling of the salivary gland may occur, and may be accompanied by infection. Symptoms Symptoms of Sialadenitis include enlargement, tenderness, and redness of one or more salivary glands. These are the glands in the mouth, located near the ear (parotid), under the tongue (sublingual), and under the jaw bone (submaxillary), plus numerous small glands in the tongue, lips, cheeks and palate. Salivary stones (calculi) may block secretions from any of these glands. The gland may sometimes become infected, leading to fever and other complications. Sometimes an abnormal passage from the salivary duct to the cheek (salivary fistula) is formed, or the pus collects in a cavity (abscess). Most often, the abnormally enlarged salivary gland can be detected through touch by a dentist or doctor. Causes The cause of Sialadenitis, or the reasons why some people develop stones in the salivary gland, is unknown. Sometimes, the stone may be associated with an infection by Streptococcus or other bacteria. Ingestion of potassium iodide or mercury may also cause this disorder, but in most cases the cause is unknown. Affected Population Sialadenitis may affect persons of both sexes at any age, and is not very rare. Related Disorders Mikulicz Syndrome is a benign chronic lymphocytic infiltration and enlargement of the tonsils and salivary glands near the ear (parotid gland), beneath the upper jaw bone (submaxillary), tear (lacrimal) and other glands. This condition causes excessive dryness of the mouth and eyes and is often related to Sjogren's Syndrome. (For more information on this disorder, choose "Mikulicz" as your search term in the Rare Disease Database.) Sjogren Syndrome is a degeneration of the tear and salivary glands that may be associated with arthritis. Patients often complain of a gritty, burning sensation in their eyes due to loss of lubrication. When their mouths become dry, chewing and swallowing food is difficult. The lack of saliva causes particles of food to stick to the cheeks, gums, and throat. Other symptoms may include a weak voice, dental decay, dryness of the nose, skin and vagina. (For more information on this disorder, choose "Sjogren" as your search term in the Rare Disease Database.) Mixed Tumor of the Salivary Gland (Pleomorphic Adenoma of the Salivary Gland) is a slowly growing, benign tumor of unknown origin. It is usually located in the parotid salivary glands. Onset of the disorder is slow, but later the tumor tends to grow rapidly. Paralysis of the facial muscles is a rare complication. Sometimes pain occurs in conjunction with the tumor. This disorder tends to be familial and can occur in multiple family members. Periodic Sialadenosis (Periodic Sialorrhea, or Recurring Salivary Adenitis) is a disorder of unknown cause, possibly of autosomal dominant inheritance. It is characterized by sudden discomfort in the region of the salivary glands near the ear and jaws. An unusually large flow of saliva may occur. The outer ear sometimes appears distorted. Therapies: Standard Initial treatment of Sialadenitis involves filling the gland with water (hydration) and massaging it to help move the stone out of the gland. Antibiotic and steroid drugs have been used to treat secondary symptoms. To treat a recurrent infectious Sialadenitis, surgical removal of the salivary gland may be necessary. This operation may be difficult, since scar tissue may cause complications. Alternative treatment methods have been used, such as radiation, tying the salivary duct, or cutting the tympanic nerve to induce shrinkage of the gland. Therapies: Investigational For treatment of the chronic, recurrent form of Sialadenitis a new experimental method is being investigated. The procedure consists of instilling an amino-acid or protein solution in the salivary duct. This solution hardens in the duct, inducing a reduction or elimination of salivary gland tissue. The hardened protein is later reabsorbed. Some patients have been successfully treated by this method, but more research is needed. This disease entry is based upon medical information available through March 1987. Since NORD's resources are limited, it is not possible to keep every entry in the Rare Disease Database completely current and accurate. Please check with the agencies listed in the Resources section for the most current information about this disorder. Resources For more information on Sialadenitis, please contact: National Organization for Rare Disorders (NORD) P.O. Box 8923 New Fairfield, CT 06812-1783 (203) 746-6518 NIH/National Institute of Dental Research 9000 Rockville Pike Bethesda, MD 20892 (301) 496-4261 References SALIVARY GLANDS: J.R. Saunders, Jr. et al.; Surgical Clinics of North America (February 1986: issue 66,1). Pp. 59-81. PAROTID GLAND ATROPHY INDUCED BY OCCLUSION OF THE DUCTAL SYSTEM WITH A PROTEIN SOLUTION: G. Rettinger et al.; American Journal of Otolaryngology (May-June 1984: issue 5,3). Pp. 183-190.