Download Bacterial Infection in the Salivary Glands

Bacterial Infection in
the Salivary Glands
patient education
A bacterial infection that develops in the salivary
glands is called sialadenitis (sy-A-la-den-eye-tis). It
happens when the flow of saliva is slowed or stopped
and bacteria begin to grow. Sialadenitis can develop
after radiation treatment for cancer.
Additional Resources
If you have questions or concerns, talk with your
doctor or nurse. They can provide you with materials
about these related topics:
• Surgery to remove salivary glands
• Preventing infection
What Are the Symptoms of Sialadenitis?
• Radiation to the head and neck
Sialadenitis causes a painful swelling or lump in the
• Difficulty swallowing
cheek or under the chin. In some cases, pus drains
from the salivary ducts into the mouth. If the infection • Inflammation or sores in the mouth
• Eating well
spreads beyond the salivary gland, you may develop a
• Nausea and vomiting
fever and chills.
• Diarrhea
How Is Sialadenitis Treated?
• Pain control
• Distress
Treatment options include the following:
Also, visit or call the G. Mitchell Morris Cancer
• Fluids to make sure your body is well hydrated.
Learning Center (CLC), where you can find free
In some cases, you may need to receive fluids
cancer resources and talk with a cancer information
through an IV.
specialist. The CLC is located on the sixth floor of
• Antibiotics to cure the infection
Huntsman Cancer Institute. Visit the CLC Monday
• Sour candies or gum to stimulate saliva secretion
to Friday, 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. or call 801-581-6365 or
• Sialadenoscopy
1-888-424-2100 between 8 a.m. and 4 p.m.
The infection usually goes away within a week of
treatment. If the infection does not go away using
these methods, you may need surgery to drain the
gland. If this happens, your health care team will
discuss what to expect with you.
For more patient education information, call 1-888-424-2100 toll free or go to www.huntsmancancer.org
Produced by HCI © 2014 • Approved by a team of medical, health, and communications specialists • May 2014 • Review Date May 2017