Effects of benign parotid tumors on unstimulated saliva secretion from the parotid gland.

OBJECTIVE

Salivary tumors can manifest as abnormalities of the gland itself and/or changes in salivary flow. However, effects of salivary tumors on saliva secretion have not been studied in much detail. The aim of the present study was to evaluate effects of benign parotid tumors on unstimulated saliva secretion from the affected gland.

METHODS

Unstimulated parotid saliva was collected bilaterally using the swab method in patients with unilateral pleomorphic adenoma (n=14) or Warthin's tumor (n=6). Pre-weighted cotton rolls were placed at the opening of each parotid duct for 15min.

RESULTS

The range of salivary flow was similar to that found in studies on unstimulated parotid saliva. Salivary flow did not differ between the involved and non-involved side. No difference was found between the involved and non-involved side when the patients with pleomorphic adenoma or Warthin's tumor were separately analyzed.

CONCLUSION

The present results suggest that the most common benign parotid tumors do not alter unstimulated salivary flow from the affected gland.