Salivary Gland Center

From dry mouth to dental problems, the symptoms of a salivary gland disorder can have a major impact on your life. As one of the region’s only dedicated salivary gland centers, you can trust our salivary gland experts to help you find lasting relief.

Doctor checking woman salivary glands

Multispecialty salivary gland care you can count on

There’s a wide range of salivary gland disorders, some of which are rare. That’s why an accurate diagnosis from specialists who routinely evaluate and treat all types of salivary gland diseases is so important.

Our otorhinolaryngologists, radiologists, oncologists, and head and neck surgeons diagnose and treat hundreds of people each year, many with uncommon and complex disorders. They have the experience and knowledge to select the right treatments for your needs.

Understanding salivary gland disorders

Salivary glands are organs inside and near your mouth that produce saliva. Saliva moistens food to help you chew, swallow, and digest it. Saliva also keeps your mouth clean by destroying germs and protecting your teeth from decay.

You have three major pairs of salivary glands: parotid (on the side of the face), submandibular (below the jaw), and sublingual (below the tongue). You also have hundreds of minor glands in your cheeks, mouth, tongue, lips, nose, sinuses, and voice box.

Damaged or blocked salivary glands can’t produce saliva and may lead to:

  • A bad taste in your mouth
  • Dental problems such as tooth loss or cavities
  • Difficulty chewing or swallowing
  • Dry mouth
  • Infections
  • Lumps under your tongue or near your jaw
  • Pain and swelling in your mouth, neck, or face
  • Problems opening your mouth

Salivary gland conditions we treat

Specialized expertise in inflammatory salivary gland diseases

Most salivary gland disorders are inflammatory diseases, which cause your glands to swell. They can result from tumors or salivary gland stones (hardened mineral deposits in your glands). Infections, certain medications, cancer treatment, and autoimmune diseases can also cause salivary gland inflammation.

At Penn Medicine, we specialize in inflammatory salivary gland conditions caused by immune system diseases such as lupus, rheumatoid arthritis, and Sjögren’s syndrome. We have the region’s only Sjögren’s Disease Center, giving you access to a team of rheumatologists, ear, nose, and throat (ENT) specialists, ophthalmologists, and other experts. We focus on improving your salivary gland function and helping you manage the many other symptoms of Sjögren’s syndrome for a better quality of life.

Advanced diagnosis and treatment for salivary gland cancer

Salivary cancer is rare. About 80 percent of salivary gland tumors are benign (non-cancerous) growths in the parotid glands. However, these tumors can change over time and turn cancerous, so it’s essential to get a prompt, accurate diagnosis.

At Penn Medicine, we are national leaders in a minimally invasive procedure called sialendoscopy. This diagnostic technique, specifically designed for salivary glands, identifies small salivary gland tumors that might otherwise go unnoticed and continue progressing. If we do find a tumor, we can often remove it during the same procedure. Sialendoscopy doesn’t require large incisions, so it has fewer side effects than traditional surgery.

Salivary gland specialists work with pathologists, radiologists, and oncologists to confirm a diagnosis and plan the most effective treatment. If we do find cancer, you’ll receive seamlessly coordinated care from a team of head and neck cancer experts at Penn Medicine’s comprehensive cancer system.

Cancer care at Penn Medicine

Penn Medicine’s Cancer System is led by the Abramson Cancer Center with locations at the Hospital of the University of Pennsylvania, Pennsylvania Hospital, Penn Presbyterian Medical Center, Chester County Hospital, and outpatient locations in the Philadelphia and NJ suburbs. Beyond the greater Philadelphia region, the system includes programs at both the Ann B. Barshinger Cancer Institute at Lancaster General Health and Princeton Medical Center.

Experience that leads to excellent results

When you turn to our Salivary Gland Center for care, you’ll find a high-volume program that delivers exceptional outcomes. We diagnose and treat hundreds of people each year, many coming from across the country for our expertise in salivary gland disorders. We’re known for our ability to treat complex or advanced cases using minimally invasive and robotic surgical techniques.

Salivary gland disorder treatment at Penn Medicine

Some people can find relief from salivary gland problems with non-surgical treatments. Staying hydrated, maintaining good oral hygiene, and visiting the dentist regularly for fluoride treatments can help relieve dry mouth and prevent tooth decay. We may also recommend pain relievers, antibiotics, or medications that increase saliva production.

Surgery may be necessary if you have a salivary stone or tumor. Whenever possible, we remove salivary gland stones using minimally invasive techniques like sialendoscopy to preserve gland function and reduce side effects. For complex cases, we use a robotic technique called transoral robotic surgery (TORS)—invented at Penn Medicine—to provide optimal precision when removing large or hard-to-reach obstructions. With their vast experience in endoscopic, robotic, and open surgical techniques, our salivary gland surgeons can combine these approaches to address your needs.

Diverse team of doctors having a discussion

Our doctors

Our providers work with you to plan and deliver exceptional treatment and personalized care.

Panoramic shot of Penn Medicine's downtown campus

Locations

Our hospitals, multispecialty medical centers, pharmacies, labs and more offer outstanding, personalized care for patients all across the region.

Related articles

Patient stories

In the face of skin cancer, proton made all the difference

A Lancaster man and father of two reveals how proton therapy helped him beat skin cancer and reclaim his life.

Faith, fate, and families

At the Basser Center for BRCA at Penn, a unique philanthropic investment is making rapid progress toward preventing and treating heritable cancer.

Tool measures tumor growth for less uncertainty between scans

Neuroradiologists have developed the first-ever tool that gives a real-time assessment of an individual’s tumor, and relieves anxiety between scans.

Embracing life’s rhythm: Kathleen’s robotic surgery journey

Kathleen Tierney talks about her journey having robotic mitral valve surgery performed at Penn Medicine.

CNN anchor Kasie Hunt had brain surgery at Penn

Before starting her own daily news show, journalist Kasie Hunt came to Penn Medicine for a growing brain tumor that was causing painful headaches.

From a bone-on-bone jaw to living the life she planned

Penn Medicine’s expert team helped Kristina navigate a complex diagnosis and nickel allergy to alleviate her jaw pain and improve her bite.

A journey from battlefield to beating cancer

Andrew Camponelli was a young Army helicopter pilot in Kuwait when he was diagnosed with stage 3 melanoma.

A minimally invasive solution to seizures

When Betsy Berlin's seizures returned after 24 years, medication was no longer helping. A minimally invasive procedure gave her the relief she needed.

Finding triple-negative breast cancer at 33, she chose ‘Team Penn’

Shocked to learn she had stage III breast cancer, Kate Korson knew just where to go. She flew home to Penn Medicine, where a clinical trial saved her life.

Volunteering for cancer research: an act of love

The Basser Center for BRCA is running an innovative cancer interception clinical trial that depends on volunteers with deep, personal ties to cancer.

Schedule an appointment

We can help you schedule an appointment or you can search our directory of specialists.