Salivary gland disorders can be caused by a variety of factors. These disorders are treated medically as well as surgically. An otolaryngologist-head and neck surgeon with competence in this field can easily handle treatment. He or she will be able to diagnose the disorder and suggest the proper course of action. Doctors who treat diseases of the salivary glands include: Otolaryngologists - Head and Neck Surgeons - These doctors specialize in diagnosing and treating conditions of the ears, nose, throat (airways), and head and neck (saliva glands, muscles, nerves). They are trained in the diagnosis and treatment of both acute injuries and chronic problems with surgery if necessary. Most have special training in ear, nose, and throat diseases and surgeries. Nuclear medicine physicians - Nuclear medicine is the study of how atoms function in health and disease. It uses radiation from radionuclides (radioactive elements) injected into the body to provide information about different organs, tumors, and blood flow. Physicians trained in nuclear medicine treat cancer patients by using radioactive drugs called radiopharmaceuticals that show where in the body the tumor may be growing or metastasizing (spreading). Patients receive injections of these drugs into various parts of their bodies. The radiopharmacist prepares the drug before injecting it into the patient.