Salivary duct stricture

Salivary Duct Stricture is a medical condition characterized by a narrowing or blockage of a salivary gland duct. This condition can lead to various symptoms such as swelling, pain, and infection. It is often caused by inflammation, trauma, or salivary stones.

Causes

The primary causes of Salivary Duct Stricture include:

• Inflammation: Chronic inflammation of the salivary glands can lead to the formation of strictures. This can be due to various conditions such as Sjogren's syndrome or autoimmune diseases.
• Trauma: Injury to the salivary glands or their ducts can result in strictures. This can occur due to surgical procedures, radiation therapy, or physical injury.
• Salivary stones: These are crystallized minerals that form in the salivary ducts and can cause blockages leading to strictures.

Symptoms

The symptoms of Salivary Duct Stricture can vary depending on the severity of the condition. They may include:

• Swelling of the affected salivary gland
• Pain in the mouth or face
• Difficulty swallowing or speaking
• Dry mouth
• Recurrent salivary gland infections

Diagnosis

Diagnosis of Salivary Duct Stricture typically involves a physical examination and imaging tests such as ultrasound, sialography, or MRI. In some cases, a biopsy may be performed to rule out other conditions such as salivary gland tumors.

Treatment

Treatment for Salivary Duct Stricture depends on the cause and severity of the condition. It may include:

• Medication: Anti-inflammatory drugs or antibiotics may be prescribed to treat inflammation or infection.
• Surgery: In severe cases, surgical intervention may be necessary to remove the stricture or affected salivary gland.
• Sialendoscopy: This is a minimally invasive procedure that uses a small endoscope to visualize and treat the stricture.

See also

• Salivary gland diseases
• Sialolithiasis
• Sjogren's syndrome