Submandibular Gland

Function of Submandibular Gland

 

The function of submandibular gland is quite important for the body as this gland is responsible for producing a high percentage quantity of saliva in mouth. The submandibular gland is a salivary gland that is located just below the floor of the mouth. The submandibular gland is responsible for about 70% of the salivary volume in humans. The submandibular gland weighs about 15 grams and secretes a high quantity of saliva in the mouth.

 

Since the submandibular gland is highly active and responsible for secretion of a high amount of saliva, the problems associated with the submandibular gland are many. Any kind of submandibular gland swelling or infection should be taken seriously and diagnosis should be sought immediately.

 

Function of Submandibular Gland Duct

 

The submandibular gland duct that is present inside the submandibular gland is responsible for secreting the saliva into the mouth. The function of submandibular gland duct is extremely important as most of the problems that are associated with the submandibular gland result from malfunctioning submandibular gland ducts. The usual problem that arises with these submandibular gland ducts is related to the blockage in the ducts. Due to several reasons, the submandibular gland ducts tend to get blocked. As a result, the high volume of saliva through them tends to accumulate, leading to submandibular gland swelling. Since the saliva that is secreted from the submandibular gland is a bit thicker than other glands, there is a tendency of formation of stones in the submandibular gland ducts. Such stones can lead to submandibular gland infection and swelling, all potentially harmful conditions that can lead to serious consequences. Other problems include pleomorphic adenomas which are completely benign in nature.

 

Controlling a Submandibular Gland Infection

 

Since any kind of blockage in the submandibular gland can lead to submandibular gland infection, it is essential that the infections are analyzed. Once the infections have been analyzed, the submandibular gland should be checked for the development of stones. In case submandibular gland stones are found, attempts should be made to remove the stones in the submandibular gland duct. Usually, this method is not feasible and a complete submandibular gland excision is required. A submandibular gland excision takes out the affected submandibular gland and analyzed it for other problems. The extraction of a single submandibular gland does not affect the salivary content of the entire mouth and the procedure is considered to be safe.

 

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Posted by temp - December 5, 2011 at 7:38 am

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Swollen Submandibular Gland

Dangerous Sign of Swollen Submandibular Gland

 

The dangerous sign of swollen submandibular gland can point to a variety of things, most of which are considered to be harmful for the body. Basically, a swollen submandibular gland means that there is some problem with the submandibular gland of the person. Since the submandibular gland is an important salivary gland that is present under the base of the mouth, any kind of problem with it should be analyzed and diagnosed.

 

We are going to take a look at the major reasons which can lead to the submandibular gland swelling, and the problems that are associated with such cases.

 

Major Reasons behind Submandibular Gland Swelling

 

In order to understand the most common reason behind submandibular gland swelling, you need to take a look at the function of the submandibular gland. The submandibular gland is responsible for secreting generous amounts of saliva in the mouth. Apart from the large amount of saliva that is secreted by the submandibular gland, the thickness of this saliva is a bit more than the saliva secreted by parotid and other salivary glands. Due to this reason, any kind of blockage in the submandibular gland duct can lead to major problems with the working of the submandibular gland. A blockage in the submandibular gland duct leads to the development of stones in the submandibular gland which lead to submandibular gland swelling. Due to these stones, the chances of submandibular gland infection increases considerably. In case the submandibular gland swelling is ignored, the problem can worsen with time and infection can spread to other salivary glands. Further, there are chances of a severe salivary gland infection and cancer that can result from the development of pleomorphic adenomas and sarcomas.

 

Impact of an Enlarged Submandibular Gland

 

The impact of an enlarged submandibular gland is widespread and it leads to a lot of pain in the mouth. Abnormally huge submandibular gland can attract major problems which would require proper treatment. In order to ensure that no such submandibular gland infection goes out of bounds, it is necessary that you address the seemingly normal swollen submandibular gland on time. Removal of the stones is the first thing that you can try in this regard. Submandibular gland excision is the last option for people who have been suffering from the problem of swollen submandibular gland since a long time.

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Posted by temp -  at 7:37 am

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Submandibular Gland Swelling

Reasons behind Submandibular Gland Swelling

 

There are several reasons behind submandibular gland swelling and this condition is seen to be pretty natural. Basically, the submandibular gland is a pair of salivary glands that is present under the base of the mouth. These glands are the size of a plum and weigh about 15 grams. The important fact associated with the submandibular gland is that it is responsible for 70% of salivary volume.

 

Due to this high salivary volume, there are chances that there is some kind of accumulation of saliva in the submandibular gland. Due to this accumulation, submandibular gland swelling can result over time. Further, this kind of accumulation can also lead to the development of stones inside the submandibular gland, laying base for probable infections.

 

Submandibular Gland Infection

The submandibular gland infection is another complication that can arise due to the blockage in the salivary gland. Such a submandibular gland infection usually arises when the submandibular gland ducts become blocked. The blockage in the submandibular gland duct can arise due to the development of stones, pleomorphic adenomas and other such reasons. Even though such conditions might seem to be harmless initially, they can transform into something sinister over time. It is essential that the problem of submandibular gland infection is analyzed and steps taken to ensure that the condition is resolved on time. In case you choose to ignore the condition of submandibular gland infection, the problem would keep recurring and the submandibular gland infection would get worse with time. The submandibular gland swelling tends to increase with time and can lead to other problems too. It is essential that the reasons behind the submandibular gland swelling are found through proper diagnostic measures as these would help in treating the condition.

 

Submandibular Gland Excision

 

Even though there are a few methods available for treating a submandibular gland infection, none of them is as effective as a submandibular gland excision. The submandibular gland stones can be extracted and the infection can be analyzed through them. However, sometimes, it is not feasible to remove the submandibular gland stones and you need to perform a complete submandibular gland excision. A complete submandibular gland excision removes one submandibular gland from the body and analyzes the reason behind the problem. Such a procedure can take care of all sorts of submandibular gland infections and submandibular gland swelling permanently, without any chance of recurrence.

 

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Posted by temp -  at 7:35 am

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Salivary Gland Infection

Causes of Salivary Gland Infection

 

The causes of salivary gland infection can be understood by taking a look at the function of salivary glands in the body. Basically, salivary glands are responsible for secreting generous amounts of saliva that aids in digestion of the food. Most salivary glands have ducts that secrete the required saliva from the gland. Taking the example of the submandibular gland, the salivary gland that lies under the mouth, we can see that the submandibular gland is responsible for secreting a high amount of saliva in the mouth.

 

However, any kind of blockage in the submandibular gland duct can lead to the development of stones in the submandibular gland. With time, a salivary gland infection can set in the blocked salivary gland, leading to other problems and the chances of salivary gland cancer. In order to check this problem, it is essential that any case of swollen submandibular gland is not neglected.

 

Submandibular Gland Swelling

 

The swelling of submandibular gland is the first point where you would notice anything abnormal with your submandibular gland. A swollen submandibular gland means that there is some kind of problem with the regular function of the submandibular gland and it needs to be diagnosed. Usually, a blockage in the salivary gland can lead to the development of stones that cause submandibular gland swelling. If this submandibular gland swelling is ignored, a submandibular gland infection can set in the salivary glands. This infection is quite challenging and can spread to the other salivary glands too. In some cases, the submandibular gland infection leads to the development of cancer in the salivary glands. It is important that the diagnosis of any kind of submandibular gland swelling and pain is done on time.

 

Treating Salivary Gland Infection

The treatment of salivary gland infection depends upon the salivary gland that is affected and the reasons behind the infection. Once these facts have been determined, the right kind of treatment can be pursued. The problem with the treatment of salivary gland infection is that it tends to recur alarmingly quickly. Therefore, the best method is usually seen as the removal of the affected salivary gland. Parotidectomy and submandibular gland excision are two methods that are employed for removing different salivary glands. These methods are known to treat any kind of salivary gland infection unfailingly.

 

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Posted by temp -  at 7:32 am

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