Salivary duct calculus 3486485 191021042 2008-02-12T23:52:04Z Nelly4 4015843 [[Image:Sialolithiasis.jpg|right|thumb|150px|Salivary sublingual gland stones]] '''Salivary duct calculus''' is a [[concretion]] of mostly [[calcium]] mineral salts ([[Calculus (medicine)|calculus]]) that forms within the ducts. This calculus ([[sialolith]] - pronounced SIGH-al-low-lith) is a [[salivary gland]] stone consisting of layers of calcified organic matter - calcium phosphate and carbon, with traces of magnesium, chloride and ammonium. Sialoliths are not related to kidney stones. The resulting blockage and inflammation ([[sialitis]]) causes immense pain on eating when [[saliva]] production increases and infection of the salivary gland may ensue. Pain may be further intensified when eating sour or tart foods or candies. Other symptoms are dry mouth; bad taste in mouth; and local swelling. The causes are not known, but keeping adequate hydration seems a sensible precaution, especially in hot climates or periods of strong exercise. The majority (perhaps 90%) form in the [[submandibular gland]] but the other glands can create them too. Most salivary duct calculi occur in people with good dental hygiene. ==Diagnosis== They are difficult to visualize with [[xray]]s and sometimes [[CT scans]] or ultrasound are needed. [[Sialography]] is sometimes used to detect calculi. ==Treatment== If located near the exits of the gland ducts, they may be squeezed out by finger pressure. If they are deeper, then surgery may be required. [[Inflammation]] and [[infection]] are treated with [[prednisone]] and [[antibiotics]]. If the infection destroys the gland, it may have to be removed entirely. ==References== * Patient UK leaflet [http://www.patient.co.uk/showdoc/23069166/ Salivary Gland Stones (Salivary Calculi)] * Medline [http://www.nlm.nih.gov/medlineplus/salivaryglanddisorders.html (Salivary Gland Disorders)] [[Category:Diseases]] {{disease-stub}} [[es:Cálculo de la glándula salival]] [[fr:Lithiase salivaire]] [[nl:Speekselsteen]] [[pl:Kamica ślinianek]]