Diagnosis and management of salivary gland infections.

Salivary gland infections are frequently encountered entities that are acquired in community and hospital settings. These infections have many causes and may be treated with a diverse array of modalities ranging from conservative medical therapy to removal of the affected salivary gland. Minimally invasive techniques employing diagnostic and interventional sialoendoscopy exist between these two extremes. If possible, the goal of management of such infections is to preserve the gland. It is the purpose of this article to review the diagnosis and treatment of acute and chronic salivary gland infections.