Abscess of salivary gland

**Definition:** This is a collection of pus (neutrophils) that has accumulated within the salivary gland because of an inflammatory process in response to either an infectious process (usually caused by bacteria or parasites) or other foreign materials.

**Long definition:** Salivary gland infections are viral or bacterial infections of the saliva-producing glands. There are three pairs of major salivary glands. • The two largest are the parotid glands, one in each cheek over the jaw in front of the ears. Inflammation of one or more of these glands is called parotitis, or parotiditis. • Two submandibular glands are at the back of the mouth on both sides of the jaw. • Two sublingual glands are under the floor of the mouth. All of the salivary glands empty saliva into the mouth through ducts that open at various locations in the mouth. Possible Complications: Abscess of salivary gland; Infection returns; Spread of infection (cellulitis, Ludwig's angina)