Sialolithiasis

The formation of a crystallized mineral deposit, called a salivary calculus (“stone”), in a salivary gland. Sialolithiasis most commonly involves the submandibular and parotid SALIVARY GLANDS. Its primary symptoms are PAIN and swelling when it blocks the flow of saliva from the gland. Sometimes the calculus remains symptomless and undetected until it shows up on an X-RAY done for other reasons such as a routine dental exam. Doctors sometimes use COMPUTED TOMOGRAPHY (CT) SCAN, ULTRASOUND, or sialography to confirm the diagnosis. A small calculus may pass from the gland on its own. Because the risk of INFECTION is high, however, doctors prefer to surgically remove salivary calculi. The OPERATION involves making a small incision into the salivary gland and extracting the calculus. Recovery is usually complete, though some people have recurrent episodes or experience narrowing (stricture) of the affected salivary duct. Researchers do not know what causes salivary calculi to develop.