Ultrasound examination, CT or MRI if salivary stones are suspected.
Reasons for treatment
Painful swelling
Recurrent inflammation
Anatomical accessibility of the stone
Treatment options
For deeper stones or underlying causes: External surgery, sometimes with gland removal.
If accessible:
Salivary gland endoscopy (sialendoscopy) for stone removal: Outpatient procedure, local anaesthesia. A thin endoscope is passed through the gland’s duct. Removal of stones or correction of narrowing. If no stone is detected, cortisone may be used to treat inflammation. Soft diet, mouth rinses and adequate fluid intake postoperatively.
