Salivary Gland Sensations: When to Seek Medical Advice

Q: Salivary Gland Sensations: When to Seek Medical Advice

Hello： The slight protrusions at the salivary gland openings are commonly a normal finding, and there are no significant abnormalities upon examination by a physician. <br>You may observe them for now, and if you have concerns, you can consult a dentist or an otolaryngologist. <b

Sensation of foreign body in the salivary glands

Hello, I would like to ask: A couple of days ago (5/19), I accidentally discovered a lump on the right side of my oral cavity (inside my right cheek) while moving my tongue around.
I usually don't touch that area much, so I didn't notice when it appeared.
Today (5/22), I had a dental check-up at Huilong Hospital (Lesheng Nursing Home).
During the examination, the doctor asked me if it was painful or itchy, and I mentioned that the lump felt soft, although I couldn't definitively say if it was soft or not; it was just not painful or itchy.
If I hadn't accidentally touched it with my tongue, I wouldn't have noticed it at all.
The doctor seemed to understand what I was referring to and used a mirror to show me that this was a salivary gland (I could clearly see a small hole resembling a pinprick on the lump).
He pointed out that there are salivary glands on both sides and under the tongue.
At that moment, I realized I was overthinking it; it was actually a normal structure, and since there were no particular issues, I left the office.
After returning home, I thought about how I discovered the abnormal sensation by touching it with my tongue.
If there are salivary glands on both sides of my cheeks, why can't I feel the one on the left side with my tongue? Although I can see the lump on the left side, I don't feel its presence when I touch it with my tongue, while on the right side, I can feel the protrusion.
When I noticed this phenomenon, I began to wonder if it was psychological, as the right side appeared more prominent to me.
When I touched both sides with my hand, I also couldn't feel any protrusion on the left side, while the right side had a noticeable granular sensation.
Is this situation normal? Since I didn't describe it clearly at the time, the doctor didn't specifically check if the lump was abnormal; would a doctor be able to visually identify any abnormalities at a glance? If I need to get further examinations, should I go to a dentist or an ENT specialist? Would it be acceptable to visit a general pediatric or ENT clinic? I am concerned that if I have to go to a large hospital, I would need to arrange another appointment.
I thought it might be easier to consult a nearby clinic to determine whether this is a serious or minor issue.
Personally, I do not smoke, drink alcohol, or chew betel nut, and there is no family history of such conditions.
Additionally, I have recently started using mouthwash (which I didn't use before), and I find it quite irritating to my oral cavity.
I can't distinguish whether the sensation is due to being too cold or too stimulating, or if it is pain, but it is uncomfortable.
After rinsing, the discomfort subsides after a while, and this uncomfortable feeling also includes the right side salivary gland I mentioned.
I initially thought this was a normal reaction to using mouthwash, but I'm unsure if it relates to the lump I discovered.
I provide this information for the doctor’s understanding.
Thank you, doctor.

Andreas, 30~39 year old female. Ask Date: 2019/05/22

Dr. Zheng Jueyi reply Otolaryngology

Hello: The slight protrusions at the salivary gland openings are commonly a normal finding, and there are no significant abnormalities upon examination by a physician.
You may observe them for now, and if you have concerns, you can consult a dentist or an otolaryngologist.
Wishing you peace and health.
Sincerely, Dr.
Cheng Jue-Yi, Director of the Department of Otolaryngology, Taoyuan Hospital, Ministry of Health and Welfare.

Reply Date: 2019/05/22

More Info

When it comes to sensations in the salivary glands, particularly the discovery of a lump or bump in the oral cavity, it's essential to understand the normal anatomy and potential variations that can occur. Based on your description, it seems that you have identified a normal anatomical structure, specifically a salivary gland, which can sometimes become more prominent or noticeable due to various factors.

Salivary glands are responsible for producing saliva, which aids in digestion and oral health. The major salivary glands include the parotid, submandibular, and sublingual glands. Each of these glands has ducts that open into the mouth, and sometimes, the openings can appear as small holes or puncta on the surface of the mucosa. The sensation of a lump or bump can be more pronounced on one side due to several reasons, including anatomical differences, variations in gland size, or even the position of the tongue and how it interacts with the oral cavity.

In your case, the right side of your mouth may feel different due to the prominence of the salivary gland or its duct, especially if you are more aware of it after touching it with your tongue. It's not uncommon for individuals to perceive asymmetry in their bodies, especially when they become more conscious of a particular area. The fact that your dentist indicated that the structure is normal and that you did not experience pain or discomfort is a positive sign.

If you are concerned about the lump or if it changes in size, becomes painful, or if you notice other symptoms such as swelling, difficulty swallowing, or changes in saliva production, it would be advisable to seek further evaluation. In such cases, a visit to an ear, nose, and throat (ENT) specialist would be appropriate, as they can provide a more comprehensive examination of the oral cavity and salivary glands. Dentists can also evaluate oral health issues, but ENT specialists are more focused on the throat and neck, which includes the salivary glands.

Regarding your use of mouthwash, it's possible that the irritation you experienced could be related to the ingredients in the mouthwash, especially if it contains alcohol or strong antiseptic agents. These can sometimes cause a burning sensation or discomfort in sensitive oral tissues. If you find that the mouthwash consistently causes discomfort, it may be worth trying a different formulation, perhaps one that is alcohol-free or designed for sensitive mouths.

In summary, the sensation of a lump in the salivary gland area, particularly if it is soft and non-tender, is often normal. However, if you have ongoing concerns or if the situation changes, consulting with a healthcare provider, whether a dentist or an ENT specialist, would be the best course of action. They can provide reassurance and determine if any further investigation or treatment is necessary. Always listen to your body and seek medical advice when something feels off, even if it seems minor. Your health and peace of mind are paramount.

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