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Book

Submandibular Sialadenitis and Sialadenosis

In: StatPearls [Internet]. Treasure Island (FL): StatPearls Publishing; 2025 Jan.
.
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Submandibular Sialadenitis and Sialadenosis

Rabin Adhikari et al.
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Excerpt

The submandibular glands are paired major salivary glands located within the submandibular triangle, covered by the investing layer of deep cervical fascia. The mylohyoid muscle separates the superficial and deep lobes of these glands. Saliva drains from the submandibular glands into the mouth via Wharton duct, which courses between the sublingual gland and hyoglossus muscle, opening near the frenulum on the floor of the mouth. Parasympathetic stimulation increases saliva secretion, while sympathetic stimulation reduces it. Saliva is rich in potassium and low in sodium, containing substances that begin food breakdown and maintain the oral cavity’s health, including immunoglobulin A (IgA).

Sialadenitis refers to the inflammation of a salivary gland. Submandibular sialadenitis is less common than parotid involvement. Acute sialadenitis typically results from bacterial or viral infections, presenting with rapid-onset pain and swelling. Chronic sialadenitis involves recurrent or persistent inflammation, often due to obstruction, such as salivary stones or strictures, and usually presents with swelling but without erythema. Sialadenosis is a non-neoplastic, non-inflammatory enlargement of the salivary glands, characterized by acinar hypertrophy and ductal atrophy; this presents as painless, often bilateral, symmetric swelling and is frequently associated with underlying metabolic conditions.

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Conflict of interest statement

Disclosure: Rabin Adhikari declares no relevant financial relationships with ineligible companies.

Disclosure: Abhinandan Soni declares no relevant financial relationships with ineligible companies.

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