SIALOLITHIASIS

Course overview

SIALOLITHIASIS IS THE MOST FREQUENT CAUSE OF SALIVARY GLAND SWELLING AND PRIMARILY AFFECTS THE MAJOR SALIVARY GLANDS, WHICH INCLUDE THE PAROTID GLANDS, THE SUBMANDIBULAR GLANDS, AND THE SUBLINGUAL GLANDS. THIS CONDITION PREDOMINANTLY AFFECTS INDIVIDUALS 30 TO 60 YEARS OLD AND IS MORE COMMON IN MALES. THE MOST COMMON PRESENTING SYMPTOM IS CYCLICAL GLAND SWELLING AND PAIN ASSOCIATED WITH MEALS. INITIAL MANAGEMENT IS CONSERVATIVE WITH A VARIETY OF MINIMALLY INVASIVE SURGICAL OPTIONS AVAILABLE FOR PERSISTENT CASES. THIS ACTIVITY REVIEWS THE PRESENTATION, EVALUATION, AND TREATMENT OF SIALOLITHIASIS AND HIGHLIGHTS THE ROLE OF THE INTERPROFESSIONAL TEAM IN EVALUATING AND TREATING THIS CONDITION.