The salivary glands are glandular structures that produce saliva and release it into the mouth. In addition to hundreds of very small salivary glands scattered throughout the mouth and throat, there are three pairs of relatively large, major salivary glands. The Parotid glands are located in the upper portion of each cheek, close to the ear. The duct of each parotid gland empties onto the inside of the cheek, near the molars of the upper jaw. The Submandibular glands, in the floor of the mouth, have ducts that empty behind the lower front teeth. The Sublingual glands, beneath the tongue, have ducts that empty onto the floor of the mouth. Sometimes, cysts, or hollow, fluid filled cavities, develop within any of these glands. A small, shallow cyst can be a short-term problem that drains on its own. Large cysts, however, often persist and grow larger until they are removed surgically. Although cysts develop again in some people, these usually can be removed without complications
Causes of Salivary Gland Cyst
Problems with the development of the ear in babies sometimes leads to cysts within the Parotid gland. Later in life, other types of cysts can form in the major or minor salivary glands as a result of traumatic injuries, infections, salivary-gland stones or tumors. One of the most common types is a mucocele, a mucus-filled cyst that often occurs inside the lower lip.
Signs and Symptoms of Salivary Gland Cyst
Salivary gland cysts usually produce a painless lump that sometimes grows large enough to interfere with eating, speaking, chewing or swallowing. These cysts may become infected. At that point, they may be red, swollen and painful. One of the most common forms of the cysts is the Mucocele. They contain mucus and periodically may rupture, releasing a straw-colored liquid.
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Medical Content Last Updated on 07/12/2008
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