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Parotid and submandibular gland cysts
Last reviewed: 07.07.2025
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[ Symptoms of parotid and submandibular gland cysts
In the area of the parotid or submandibular salivary glands, a soft, painless swelling appears, which slowly increases, reaching large sizes and disrupting the configuration of the face. The skin above it does not change color and freely gathers into a fold. Palpation reveals a soft tissue formation of a round or oval shape, elastic consistency with the presence of a fluctuation symptom. A puncture of the formation yields a turbid and viscous liquid, sometimes with mucus. After the puncture, the formation disappears, but later reappears. A sialogram of the affected gland reveals a filling defect and displacement of the ducts.
Treatment
Treatment of parotid and submandibular gland cysts is surgical. The parotid gland cyst is usually removed along with the adjacent parenchymatous tissue.
As a palliative method, periodic suction of the parotid gland cyst contents can be used. In this case, the following technique is used: after suction of the cyst contents, a hypertonic solution is introduced into its cavity in an amount 2 ml less than the amount being suctioned. After 15-20 minutes, the hypertonic solution is suctioned, after which a pressure bandage is applied to the gland. Usually, 2-3 suctions and the introduction of a hypertonic solution are sufficient for a course. Dynamic observation showed that there was no relapse over 5 years.
In some patients, the method of cauterization of the cyst membrane can be used: after throwing back the skin-fat flap, the outer wall of the cyst is excised according to Kovtunovich. Then a tampon soaked in 5% iodine tincture is inserted into its cavity, which is kept there for 5-10 minutes. Then the tampon is removed and the underlying cyst membrane is peeled off like an orange peel. The gland is sutured tightly, the flap is put back in place and sutured. Dynamic observation of patients for more than 3 years shows the absence of cyst recurrence.
The submandibular gland cyst is removed along with it.