Prof. Michael Timms
Prof. Michael Timms
Consultant ENT Surgeon

Available at these locations

Saudi German Hospital
Al Zahra Hospital, Dubai, UAE
Please see below of website for full address and map.

  • Home
  • Children
    • Glue Ear
    • Grommets
    • Snoring & Obstructive Sleep Apnoea
    • Coblation Adenoid Surgery
    • Coblation Tonsil Surgery
    • Cochlear Implants
    • Ear Infection
    • Prominent Ear Surgery
  • Ear
    • Prominent Ear Surgery
    • Hearing & Deafness
    • Ear Infections
    • Middle Ear Reconstructive Surgery
    • Cochlear Implants
    • Bone Anchored Hearing Aids
  • Nose
    • Nasal Blockage/Congestion
    • Sinusitis & Sinus Surgery
    • Rhinoplasty
  • Snoring & Sleep
    • Snoring & Sleep Disorders
    • Investigations / Sleep Studies
    • Surgical Treatment
    • Coblation Assisted Snoring Surgery
  • Voice
    • Hoarseness
    • Vocal Cord Surgery
  • Head & Neck
    • Swallowing Difficulties / Dysphagia
    • Submandibular Gland
    • Parotid Gland & Parotid Surgery
  • About
  • Locations
    • Hospitals & Clinics
  • Contact
  • Home
  • Children
    • Glue Ear
    • Grommets
    • Snoring & Obstructive Sleep Apnoea
    • Coblation Adenoid Surgery
    • Coblation Tonsil Surgery
    • Cochlear Implants
    • Ear Infection
    • Prominent Ear Surgery
  • Ear
    • Prominent Ear Surgery
    • Hearing & Deafness
    • Ear Infections
    • Middle Ear Reconstructive Surgery
    • Cochlear Implants
    • Bone Anchored Hearing Aids
  • Nose
    • Nasal Blockage/Congestion
    • Sinusitis & Sinus Surgery
    • Rhinoplasty
  • Snoring & Sleep
    • Snoring & Sleep Disorders
    • Investigations / Sleep Studies
    • Surgical Treatment
    • Coblation Assisted Snoring Surgery
  • Voice
    • Hoarseness
    • Vocal Cord Surgery
  • Head & Neck
    • Swallowing Difficulties / Dysphagia
    • Submandibular Gland
    • Parotid Gland & Parotid Surgery
  • About
  • Locations
    • Hospitals & Clinics
  • Contact

Submandibular Gland

This is one of the salivary glands that is situated under your jaw. Approximately 60% of the lumps in the submandibular gland are benign (not cancerous) and the rest can be cancerous. They occur as a result of overgrowth of the cells in the gland. Swelling can also arise, as a result of stones blocking the duct draining the gland. This often leads to infection and pain, restricting routine activity.

Investigation and treatment of submandibular lumps

During the initial consultation a detailed history is taken and a thorough assessment is carried out. This is usually followed by an ultrasound scan performed by our radiologist. During the ultrasound scan test a needle may be inserted into the gland to collect a sample of cells from the lump. These cells are then analysed under the microscope by the pathologist to assess the nature of the swelling. If stones are suspected X-rays are often performed first. Occasionally, other tests such as a CT scan, MRI scan or a sialogram may be required.

Treatment depends on the nature of the lump and the results of the tests. Removal of the swelling is usually recommended because the exact nature of the swelling is often ascertained after removal and analysis of the whole lump. Additionally, if the lumps are not removed, the majority of them will grow further, often becoming cosmetically unacceptable and may even turn cancerous. Large, cancerous lumps are difficult to remove and complicate surgery.

Submandibular gland surgery explained

The operation involves removing the whole of the gland. This is performed under general anaesthetic, which means that you will be asleep throughout the procedure. An incision is made well below the jaw line in the neck. The cut is usually placed along a skin crease so that over a period of time the scar is barely visible. At the end of the operation, a drain (plastic tube) is placed through the skin in order to prevent any blood or fluid collecting under the skin. This tube is usually removed the next day when you will be able to go home.

Potential complications

Weakness of the corner of the mouth

The nerve that moves the corner of the mouth lies in close proximity to the gland and is at risk during surgery. Damage to this nerve results in weakness of the corner of the mouth. This deformity is more obvious when one smiles. One may also experience drooling of saliva on the affected side. In most cases, the nerve works normally after surgery, although occasionally (about 10% of cases) you may notice a temporary weakness of the corner of the mouth. This usually lasts for a few weeks before full recovery takes place.

Numbness and stiffness of the neck

Stiffness and numbness of the neck are common and this resolves spontaneously over a period of few months. Use of moisturisers and creams to supple the scar and skin is very useful.

Blood and saliva collection

Blood and/or saliva can collect beneath the skin. Occasionally, it may be necessary to return to the operating theatre to remove this clot. Usually, this collection is minor and our body mops it away completely.

Altered taste

The nerve, which helps us appreciate taste, runs very close to the duct of the submandibular gland. This nerve may get bruised or damaged resulting in altered taste in the mouth. Usually, the altered taste sensation recovers fully over a period of few weeks.

Weakness of the tongue

Very rarely, the nerve that moves the tongue may get bruised/damaged during surgery. Usually this recovers fully over a period of a few weeks.

  • Children
    Learn about some common ENT conditions that affect children
  • Ear
    Find useful information on some common conditions affecting the ears.
  • Nose
    Find out about some common conditions that affect the nose and sinuses.
  • Snoring & Sleep
    Find useful information on some common ENT sleep disorders.
  • Voice
    Learn about some common ENT conditions affecting the vocal cords.
  • Head & Neck
    Learn about some common ENT conditions that affect the head and neck.

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Saudi German Hospital

Al Barsha 3, Hessa Street 331 West,
Off Exit 36 Sheikh Zayed Road

P.O.Box: 391093
Tel: 0800 744823 / 04 389 0000
Website: sghdubai.ae/en/services/ent-center.html
 

Al Zahra Hospital, Dubai

Al Barsha, near to Sharaf DG Metro Station,
Sheikh Zayed Road
Dubai, UAE

Tel: 04 378 6666
Website: http://www.azhd.ae
 

Novomed Centers – Dubai Marina Plaza

30th Floor, Marina Plaza, Dubai Marina
Sheikh Zayed Road
Dubai, UAE

Tel: 800 6686
Website: https://www.novomed.com
 

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