Submandibular Gland Swelling: Causes, Symptoms, Diagnosis & When to Seek Care
Reviewed By: John Duncan, Ph.D.
Director of Operations at: VIASCAN
A submandibular gland can swell if one gland under the jaw becomes larger than the other. This may happen after an infection. It can also start from a blockage or from irritation that keeps going. In the beginning, the swelling may feel strange or even scary. Knowing what can be normal may make it easier to stay calm. This blog looks at submandibular gland swelling causes and the typical signs. It also explains how a clinician examines the area. You will see when scans or other imaging might be needed for a swollen submandibular gland. The aim is to keep the details simple and easy to follow.
Why does the submandibular gland swell?
Swelling of the submandibular glands is typically due to infection or a mechanical blockage in the gland that prevents the free flow of saliva as the person normally does during the day. An infection in the submandibular gland usually occurs when infection-causing bacteria collect when there is a decrease in saliva production, either from an illness or lack of fluids. A submandibular gland stone, a small mineral deposit that blocks the salivary duct and leads to back-up of fluid is another common cause. Sometimes, autoimmune diseases and some medications can also cause a decrease in saliva production and help cause swelling around the jaw area.
Infections, blockages and other causes of salivary gland disease.
- Decreased saliva production due to bacterial or viral infection and throughout the gland.
- Blockage of the salivary ducts due to a gradual accumulation of mucus or debris in the ducts.
- Submandibular gland stones that prevent the flow of saliva and create backup.
- Dry mouth, which lessens the amount of saliva produced and the activity of the glands
Immunological disorders that affect gland function and saliva production such as Sjogren’s syndrome, sarcoidosis, sarcoidosis with gland involvement, or sarcoidosis associated with hypothyroidism.
What are the symptoms of swelling of the submandibular glands?
Besides the obvious swelling, a swollen gland under jaw can also accompany a few symptoms. Many people have pain and swelling in their submandibular gland, and this is most often worsened when eating and drinking; chewing and eating will naturally increase saliva flow in the submandibular gland. Other symptoms include tenderness to gentle touch or pressure, and dry mouth. Others may experience slight trouble swallowing or a general sensation of pressure below the jaw. The symptoms may occur slowly or quite rapidly, depending on the cause of the swelling.
Identify pain, tenderness, dry mouth and swelling
- Any discomfort or pain that occurs under the jaw during the day
- Pain that does get worse when eating food or meals
- Persistent dry mouth that doesn’t go away during the day
- Swelling, or a hard mass near the jaw, that can be seen.
- Some pain when swallowing or when lightly touching the area.
If your gland is swollen and does not go down for more than a couple of days, you should talk to your doctor about it.
What are the means of diagnosing the swelling of the submandibular gland?
A doctor’s diagnosis for a swollen submandibular gland usually begins with a simple physical examination, where he or she will gently assess how big, firm, and painful the gland is under the jaw. This should help determine if the swelling is due to a submandibular gland infection, stone, or something else. Then imaging tests can be performed to obtain a better understanding of what is happening within the gland itself. If your doctor can pinpoint the cause of the swelling in the submandibular gland, then it will be easier for them to understand and determine what care or monitoring may be warranted in the future.
Physical Exam, Ultrasound, CT scans and other tests.
There are many types of scans and medical imaging that can help detect the problem early an
- Sweat gland size, firmness and overall tenderness are checked through physical examination.
- High-resolution and detailed ultrasound imaging of the gland structure
- Additional computed tomography (CT) scan for more detailed, layered imaging of the area
- A blood test to look for infection markers in the body.
When is medical imaging recommended for submandibular gland swelling?
Medical imaging may be recommended if swelling persists beyond what is anticipated after a physical examination, if swelling recurs, or if the cause of the swelling cannot be determined from a physical examination alone. If submandibular gland pain and swelling in the submandibular gland fail to improve in a few days, it’s a good sign to consult your doctor about further testing. Imaging aids in determining if the stone, infection or other structure is the cause of the swelling, which will help you physician understand what is going on. It also helps rule out other possible explanations, and treatment decisions can be made based on accurate, detailed information and not just on a guess.
If Ultrasound, CT or MRI are needed
Ultrasound is generally first-line because it is a quick, gentle, and readily available test for routine evaluation. If a more detailed examination of deeper structures is necessary, for example, if a stone or blockage is suspected but not clearly seen on ultrasound alone, a CT scan or MRI may be recommended.
If one’s jaw glands are swollen, your doctor may need a closer look before determining the cause. With supportive preventive imaging services like CT scans and whole-body scans at the Las Colinas-based ViaScan, your physician will have clearer pictures to work with. ViaScan is not a diagnosis or treatment facility and rather offers detailed imaging that helps enable an informed discussion with your treating physician.
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Conclusion
Salivary gland swelling under jaw is usually caused by infections, blockages or stones and knowing the early signs can help inform the next steps. The diagnosis typically begins with a physical examination and imaging tests may be performed to get a better view. However, if your doctor recommends additional tests, then ViaScan of Las Colinas provides supportive preventive imaging, such as CT and whole-body scans, to help you and your doctor proceed with confidence.
Director of Operations at : VIASCAN
John Duncan, Ph.D., has been a leading expert in preventive cardiology for over 20 years. He has dedicated his career to helping thousands of people take control of their health before problems arise.
After working at the Cooper Institute for 15 years, he founded ViaScan, where he has helped tens of thousands of patients gain insight into their health through early detection of cardiovascular diseases and cancer.
