Salivary gland surgery

Salivary glands are paired glands, with a total of six in and around the mouth. All salivary glands produce saliva and drain into the oral cavity. However, there are significant differences in the composition of the saliva they produce.

The largest salivary gland is the parotid gland (glandula parotis), also known as the ear salivary gland. Many people are less familiar with it today, as we now vaccinate against mumps, which specifically affects the parotid gland. The parotid gland produces thin, watery saliva, similar to when the mouth "waters." This saliva is transported through the cheek and into the oral cavity near the upper molars.

Just below the jaw angle is the submandibular gland (glandula submandibularis), also called the jaw salivary gland. This gland produces a mixture of thick and thin saliva and drains into the front of the mouth, just beneath the tongue.

At the very front, just under the tongue, is the smallest salivary gland, the sublingual gland (glandula sublingualis), also known as the tongue salivary gland. This gland exclusively produces a very thick secretion, which drains through the same duct as the submandibular gland.

The reasons for removing salivary glands vary widely. In the parotid gland (ear salivary gland), partial removal is most often performed due to benign tumors. However, the most common reason for surgery on the submandibular gland (jaw salivary gland) is the formation of salivary stones, similar to how tartar can form on teeth. Some individuals are more prone to this than others. When stones form in the salivary ducts, they often cause pain during eating. If the condition cannot be treated with an endoscopic procedure, complete gland removal may be necessary.

Removal of the sublingual gland (tongue salivary gland) is primarily due to diving ranulas, which are rare accumulations of thick, mucous-like saliva that cannot drain properly. This can lead to a noticeable and bothersome swelling under the chin, though it is completely harmless.

Regardless of the condition requiring surgery, you are in safe hands at Charlottenlund Private Hospital, where the country’s most skilled surgeons offer their expertise in this specialized field.

Removal of the **sublingual gland (tongue salivary gland)** is primarily due to **diving ranulas**, which are rare accumulations of thick, mucous-like saliva that cannot drain properly. This can lead to a noticeable and bothersome swelling under the chin, though it is completely harmless.  

Regardless of the condition requiring surgery, you are in safe hands at **Charlottenlund Private Hospital**, where the country’s most skilled surgeons offer their expertise in this specialized field.

If you suffer from salivary gland disorders, contact Charlottenlund Private Hospital for a prompt consultation, examination, and treatment.