The major salivary glands are the parotid, submandibular, and sublingual glands. Inflammation Inflammatory processes involving the major glands can be classified as obstructive or non-obstructive. The parotid gland is most commonly involved, and the patient will present with unilateral or bilateral diffuse enlargement of the parotid as well as tenderness to deep palpation.
Treatment depends on the underlying etiology.
Trauma Lacerations represent the most significant form of injury to the salivary glands, especially the parotid gland. Major structures at risk include the facial nerve, parotid duct, and parenchymal damage. Facial nerve injury is detected by careful clinical assessment of the branches of the nerve, as compared with the normal side. Early repair is preferable and will entail the use of a nerve stimulator to identify the severed branches. Ductal injury should be suspected when saliva is present in the wound.