Occasionally, a painless lump may develop within the submandibular gland. Those lumps are often benign but need thorough checking, as up to half of them may be or become cancerous. Even benign lumps can get gradually bigger.
What investigation are you likely to have?
An X-ray or CT scan of the submandibular gland:
This is to see if there are stones inside the gland or the duct.
Sialogram:
The doctor fills the duct at the front of the mouth with some contrast liquid and then takes x-rays. This will show up stones or narrowing inside the duct.
Ultrasound:
This test uses sound waves to detect any lumps inside the gland.
Fine needle aspiration:
This can help to find out the nature of the lump. The doctor uses a fine needle to draw some cells out from the lump. The cells are sent to the laboratory for analysis.
Why operate on the submandibular gland?
- If stones inside the duct do not come out, the gland may swell up when you eat. These stones can be removed. This procedure is done through the mouth either under a local or general anaesthetic. Your consultant will discuss the options with you.
- When stones get stuck inside the submandibular gland, the gland can become permanently inflamed and swollen. If it gives you undue discomfort over a longer time, your specialist may advise to have the gland removed.
- If a lump has developed in the submandibular gland, your surgeon may recommend removing the gland. By removing the gland we can find out whether it is benign or cancerous.
You may change your mind about the operation at any time, and signing a consent form does not mean that you have to have the operation.
If you would like to have a second opinion about the treatment, you can ask your specialist. He or she will not mind arranging this for you. You may wish to ask your own GP to arrange a second opinion with another specialist.
Gland removal
You will have the operation under general anaesthetic. This means that you will be asleep throughout. An cut will be made in the neck below the jaw to remove the gland. The operation will take about an hour.
At the end of the operation the surgeon will place a drain (plastic tube) through the skin in order to prevent any blood clot collecting under the skin.
Most patients will require 24-48 hours in hospital after the operation before the drain can be removed and they can go home.
