Definition
Salivary calculosis (or sialolithiasis) is a disease characterized by the formation of stones inside the salivary glands (or within the excretory ducts of the same). In most cases, the stones are solid aggregates composed of calcium salts. Their formation is favored by salivary stasis, a condition that occurs in debilitated, dehydrated or anticholinergic therapy patients. Salivary calculosis can also have a traumatic, metabolic or inflammatory origin.
Most common symptoms and signs *
- Dysphagia
- Neck pain
- Jaw pain
- Pain associated with chewing
- Facial pain
- Parotid enlargement
Further indications
The presence of stones at the level of the salivary glands causes their obstruction. For this reason, sialolithiasis manifests itself with pain and swelling (swelling) of the salivary gland. These symptoms worsen after the ingestion of food and during chewing, since in such situations the salivary flow is increased; however, as has been said, saliva cannot flow through the excretory duct, due to the obstruction of the calculation. Furthermore, in conjunction with meals, salivary colic may occur, that is violent pains of a stabbing type due to glandular swelling.
Symptoms may disappear after a few hours or following an abundant loss of saliva. Other calculations, on the other hand, cause intermittent manifestations or do not cause them at all. Inflammatory complications (scialoadenitis) are frequent due to salivary stagnation. Persistent or recurrent calculations also predispose to infection of the gland involved.
Diagnosis is made clinically or by CT, ultrasound or sialography.
The stones can be removed spontaneously or by stimulating the salivary flow (eg lemon juice, hard candy or other sialagogues). Analgesics and hydration can help relieve symptoms. The treatment also includes manual squeezing (or with the use of a small probe) and possibly surgical removal of the calculation.
