[Impact of benign parotid gland tumors on whole salivary flow rate].

OBJECTIVE

The impact of benign tumors of the parotid gland on whole salivary flow or sialochemistry is unclear.

MATERIAL AND

METHODS

A total of 22 patients with benign parotid tumors and 18 healthy controls underwent measurements of unstimulated and stimulated whole saliva flow and sialochemistry (Na+, K+, Ca++, Amylase, and pH). Assessment of xerostomia was performed by means of a visual analogue scale (VAS) and a questionnaire (QoL).

RESULTS

Stimulated whole salivary flow was significantly lower in patients with benign parotid tumors in comparison to the control group (2.76 ± 0.96 ml/min vs. 3.85 ± 0.72 ml/min; p = 0.009). However, assessment of unstimulated whole salivary flow, sialochemistry, and subjective parameters (VAS, QoL) showed no significant differences between the patient and control groups (0.73 ± 0.41 ml/min vs. 0.68 ± 0.39 ml/min; p = 1).

CONCLUSIONS

Benign salivary gland tumors appear to reduce whole stimulated salivary flow and leave unstimulated whole salivary flow and sialochemistry unchanged. The patients' subjective feelings of dry mouth do not seem to be influenced by the reduction in salivary flow.