What are the main types of salivary glands. Where are the major salivary glands located. How do salivary glands contribute to oral health. What is the role of saliva in digestion. How can salivary gland cancer affect facial nerves. What are the common symptoms of salivary gland disorders. How are salivary gland tumors diagnosed and treated.

The Anatomy of Salivary Glands: Major and Minor Structures

Salivary glands play a crucial role in our oral health and digestive processes. These glands are responsible for producing saliva, which not only keeps our mouth moist but also aids in the initial stages of digestion. To fully comprehend the importance of these glands, it’s essential to understand their anatomy and distribution throughout the head and neck region.

Major Salivary Glands

There are three pairs of major salivary glands in the human body:

• Parotid glands
• Submandibular glands
• Sublingual glands

Each of these glands is symmetrically positioned on either side of the face and mouth, ensuring an even distribution of saliva production.

Parotid Glands: The Largest Salivary Producers

The parotid glands are the largest of the salivary glands. They are located in front of each ear, extending from below the cheekbones to the angle of the lower jaw and behind the ear lobe. These glands are responsible for producing the majority of our saliva.

What makes the parotid glands unique? They are the only salivary glands that contain lymph nodes within their fascial envelope. This characteristic is significant because it means that a lump in the parotid area could be due to various causes, including:

• A salivary gland tumor
• An enlarged lymph node due to infection
• A metastatic cancer from another part of the body, such as skin cancer

The parotid glands are also noteworthy for their relationship with the facial nerve. This important nerve, responsible for facial expressions, travels through the middle of the parotid glands. This anatomical arrangement makes parotid gland surgery particularly challenging, as surgeons must carefully navigate around the facial nerve to preserve facial function.

Submandibular Glands: Below the Jawline

The submandibular glands are located in the submandibular triangle, an area below the jawbone. These glands are the second largest of the major salivary glands and contribute significantly to saliva production.

A key anatomical feature of the submandibular glands is their proximity to the marginal mandibular nerve, a branch of the facial nerve. This nerve runs just over the top of the submandibular gland and controls the movement of the lower lip. Understanding this relationship is crucial for surgeons when operating in this area to avoid potential nerve damage.

Sublingual Glands: Under the Tongue

The sublingual glands are the smallest of the major salivary glands. They are positioned on the floor of the mouth, underneath the tongue. These glands are in close proximity to the lingual nerves, which provide sensation to the sides of the tongue.

Unlike the other major salivary glands, the sublingual glands have multiple small ducts (called the ducts of Rivinus) that open directly into the mouth, rather than a single main duct.

Minor Salivary Glands: Small but Numerous

In addition to the major salivary glands, there are thousands of minor salivary glands distributed throughout the oral cavity. These glands are much smaller and do not have individual fascial envelopes or dedicated ducts. They are primarily located in:

• The junction of the hard and soft palate
• The lips
• The inside of the cheeks
• The tongue
• The throat

Although individually small, these minor glands collectively contribute to overall saliva production and help maintain oral moisture and health.

The Vital Role of Saliva in Oral Health and Digestion

Saliva, produced by the salivary glands, is often underappreciated despite its crucial role in maintaining oral health and initiating the digestive process. But what exactly makes saliva so important?

Saliva’s Multifaceted Functions

Saliva serves several essential functions:

1. Lubrication: It keeps the mouth moist, facilitating speech and swallowing.
2. Digestion: Saliva contains enzymes that begin breaking down food in the mouth.
3. Oral hygiene: It helps wash away food particles and bacteria, reducing the risk of tooth decay.
4. pH balance: Saliva helps neutralize acids in the mouth, protecting tooth enamel.
5. Taste: It dissolves food particles, allowing them to interact with taste buds.

How does saliva contribute to digestion? The enzyme amylase, present in saliva, begins breaking down complex carbohydrates into simpler sugars. This process not only aids digestion but also enhances our ability to taste food.

Salivary Gland Disorders: From Benign to Malignant

While salivary glands are crucial for our well-being, they can also be affected by various disorders, ranging from benign conditions to malignant tumors. Understanding these disorders is essential for early detection and treatment.

Common Salivary Gland Disorders

What are some common disorders affecting salivary glands? Here’s a list of frequently encountered conditions:

• Sialadenitis: Inflammation of the salivary glands, often due to infection or blockage
• Sialolithiasis: Formation of stones in the salivary glands or ducts
• Sjögren’s syndrome: An autoimmune disorder causing dry mouth and eyes
• Benign tumors: Non-cancerous growths in the salivary glands
• Malignant tumors: Cancerous growths in the salivary glands

Each of these conditions presents unique challenges and requires specific approaches for diagnosis and treatment.

Salivary Gland Cancer: A Closer Look

Salivary gland cancer, while relatively rare, is a serious condition that requires prompt attention and specialized care. Understanding its characteristics and risk factors is crucial for early detection and improved outcomes.

Prevalence and Types of Salivary Gland Cancer

How common is salivary gland cancer? Salivary gland tumors account for about 6-8% of all head and neck cancers. Interestingly, about 80% of salivary gland tumors occur in the parotid glands. However, it’s important to note that the majority of parotid tumors are benign.

There are several types of salivary gland cancers, including:

• Mucoepidermoid carcinoma
• Adenoid cystic carcinoma
• Acinic cell carcinoma
• Adenocarcinoma
• Squamous cell carcinoma

Each type has its own characteristics and prognosis, emphasizing the need for accurate diagnosis and tailored treatment approaches.

Risk Factors and Symptoms

What factors increase the risk of developing salivary gland cancer? While the exact causes are not fully understood, several risk factors have been identified:

• Exposure to radiation
• Workplace exposure to certain substances (e.g., asbestos, rubber manufacturing)
• Genetic predisposition
• Advanced age

What are the common symptoms of salivary gland cancer? Symptoms may include:

• A painless lump in the salivary gland area
• Difficulty swallowing or opening the mouth wide
• Numbness or weakness in the face
• Persistent pain in the face, chin, neck, or ear

It’s important to note that these symptoms can also be caused by non-cancerous conditions. However, any persistent changes should be evaluated by a healthcare professional.

Diagnosis and Treatment of Salivary Gland Tumors

Accurate diagnosis and appropriate treatment are crucial for managing salivary gland tumors. The approach to diagnosis and treatment can vary depending on the specific characteristics of the tumor and the affected gland.

Diagnostic Approaches

How are salivary gland tumors diagnosed? The diagnostic process typically involves several steps:

1. Physical examination: The doctor will carefully examine the head and neck area for any lumps or abnormalities.
2. Imaging studies: This may include CT scans, MRI, or ultrasound to visualize the tumor and surrounding structures.
3. Fine needle aspiration (FNA): A thin needle is used to extract cells from the tumor for microscopic examination.
4. Biopsy: In some cases, a larger tissue sample may be needed for definitive diagnosis.

These diagnostic tools help determine the nature of the tumor (benign or malignant) and guide treatment decisions.

Treatment Options

What are the main treatment options for salivary gland tumors? Treatment approaches may include:

• Surgery: The primary treatment for most salivary gland tumors
• Radiation therapy: Often used in conjunction with surgery or for inoperable tumors
• Chemotherapy: Typically reserved for advanced or metastatic cases
• Targeted therapy: Emerging treatments that target specific molecular features of the tumor

The choice of treatment depends on various factors, including the type and stage of the tumor, its location, and the patient’s overall health.

Preserving Facial Nerve Function in Salivary Gland Surgery

One of the most critical aspects of salivary gland surgery, particularly for parotid gland tumors, is preserving the function of the facial nerve. This nerve’s intricate path through the parotid gland makes surgical procedures in this area particularly challenging.

The Importance of Facial Nerve Preservation

Why is preserving the facial nerve so crucial? The facial nerve controls the muscles responsible for facial expressions, including:

• Smiling
• Frowning
• Raising eyebrows
• Closing eyelids
• Moving the lower lip

Damage to this nerve can result in facial paralysis, which can have significant functional and psychological impacts on a patient’s quality of life.

Surgical Techniques for Nerve Preservation

How do surgeons work to preserve facial nerve function during salivary gland surgery? Several techniques are employed:

1. Careful preoperative planning using detailed imaging studies
2. Intraoperative nerve monitoring to detect and avoid nerve damage
3. Microsurgical techniques for precise dissection around the nerve
4. In some cases, partial removal of the tumor to avoid nerve injury, followed by additional treatments like radiation therapy

These approaches have significantly improved outcomes in salivary gland surgery, reducing the risk of facial nerve injury while effectively treating the tumor.

Advances in Salivary Gland Cancer Research and Treatment

The field of salivary gland cancer research is continuously evolving, with new discoveries and treatment approaches emerging. These advancements are improving our understanding of the disease and offering new hope for patients.

Molecular Profiling and Targeted Therapies

How is molecular profiling changing the landscape of salivary gland cancer treatment? Researchers are now able to identify specific genetic mutations and molecular markers in salivary gland tumors. This information can be used to:

• Predict tumor behavior and prognosis more accurately
• Develop targeted therapies that attack specific molecular features of the tumor
• Personalize treatment plans based on the unique characteristics of each patient’s tumor

These advances in molecular profiling are paving the way for more effective and less toxic treatments.

Immunotherapy: A Promising Frontier

What role does immunotherapy play in salivary gland cancer treatment? While still in its early stages for salivary gland cancers, immunotherapy shows promise in certain cases. This approach harnesses the power of the body’s immune system to fight cancer cells. Ongoing clinical trials are exploring various immunotherapy agents and combinations for salivary gland cancers.

Minimally Invasive Surgical Techniques

How are surgical techniques for salivary gland tumors evolving? Advancements in surgical technology and techniques are leading to more minimally invasive approaches, including:

• Endoscopic and robotic-assisted surgeries
• Improved imaging techniques for more precise tumor removal
• Novel approaches to facial nerve monitoring and preservation

These techniques aim to reduce surgical morbidity while maintaining or improving oncological outcomes.

As research in salivary gland cancer continues to progress, patients can look forward to more effective, personalized, and less invasive treatment options. The multidisciplinary approach to salivary gland cancer care, combining expertise from various specialties, remains crucial in providing optimal outcomes for patients.

Anatomy ‣ Salivary Gland Cancer ‣ THANC Guide

Video Summary

• There are 3 major salivary glands on each side of the face:
  • The parotid gland, located in front of the ear,
  • The submandibular gland, located below the jaw bone, and
  • The sublingual gland, located under the tongue.
• There are many minor salivary glands located throughout the mouth, tongue, and throat, which are much smaller than the major glands.
• There are many important nerves that travel near the salivary glands.

In order to begin to understand salivary gland cancer, it is important to gain some background knowledge on the anatomy of the salivary glands. In the head and neck, there are two main types of salivary glands: major salivary glands and minor salivary glands. The major salivary glands consist of three different glands: parotid, submandibular, and sublingual. The glands in the face and neck are symmetrical, meaning that there is one of each on either side of the face and mouth.  

There are many different nerves that travel around and through the salivary glands. The location of these nerves is important, as they can become involved by salivary gland tumors. If surgery becomes necessary to treat salivary gland cancer, these nerves must be identified and monitored very carefully in the hopes of preserving their function.  

Major Salivary Glands 

Illustration of the parotid gland sublingual gland and submandibular gland © Jill Gregory

The major salivary glands include the parotid glands, the submandibular glands, and the sublingual glands. They are called “major” because they are larger than the minor salivary glands. Each major salivary gland is surrounded by an envelope or fascial layer, and each one has its own tube (or duct) that connects it to the mouth and transports the saliva produced by the gland.

Parotid Salivary Glands 

The parotid glands are the largest salivary glands, sitting in front of each ear and extending from below the cheekbones to the level of the angle of the lower jaw and back below the ear lobe. The glands sit on top of the masseter muscle, which is the main muscle used for chewing. The parotid glands taper down at the bottom into a “tail,” from which the saliva-carrying tubes join together to become a single duct (called the “Stenson’s duct”) that leaves the gland and travels to the mouth. The parotid glands produce the most saliva out of any of the other glands. The nerve that controls the movement of the face, called the facial nerve, travels through the middle of the parotid glands. It forms multiple branches within the gland that control the 17 muscles for facial expression on each side of the face and are therefore very important. Surgeons will work to locate and preserve these nerve branches when operating on the parotid gland.

The parotid glands are the most common sites of salivary gland tumors, as 80% of salivary gland tumors arise in the parotid gland. However, most of these parotid tumors are benign and not cancerous. Just like the other major salivary glands, the parotid glands are enclosed by envelopes, which happen to also contain lymph nodes. This means that a lump in a parotid gland could actually be a lymph node that is enlarged due to cancer from another part of the body, or due to infection and inflammation (non-cancerous). The most common cause for an enlarged and cancerous parotid lymph node is due to a skin cancer located on the side of the face or head.

Submandibular Salivary Glands 

The submandibular glands lie in what is called the submandibular triangle, the area of the neck below the jawbone. The main saliva-carrying tube from the submandibular gland is called “Wharton’s duct,” and it opens into the mouth right under the tongue. One of the branches of the facial nerve runs just over the top of the submandibular gland and is called the marginal mandibular nerve.  This nerve controls the lower lip and allows it to move downwards during normal facial expression. 

Sublingual Salivary Glands 

The sublingual glands sit on the floor of the mouth under the tongue, with one gland on either side of the mouth. The lingual nerves, which provide sensation to the sides of the tongue, run in very close proximity to these glands. The saliva-carrying tubes from these glands are called the “ducts of Rivinus,” and they open directly into the mouth.

Minor Salivary Glands 

The minor salivary glands are much smaller than the major salivary glands. They are not surrounded by envelopes and do not have their own saliva-carrying tubes. There are thousands of minor salivary glands throughout the mouth, tongue and throat, but they are mainly located in a few places: the junction of the hard and soft palate on the roof of the mouth, lips, and along the inside of the cheeks.

Salivary Glands Anatomy | Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center

The major salivary glands (shown above) are the largest and most important salivary glands. They produce most of the saliva in your mouth.

If you have been diagnosed with salivary gland cancer, knowing a little bit about the salivary glands will help you talk to your doctor about surgery or other aspects of your care.

The salivary glands make saliva and empty it into your mouth through openings called ducts. Saliva helps with swallowing and chewing. It can also help prevent infections from developing in your mouth or throat.

There are two types of salivary glands:

1. the major salivary glands
2. the minor salivary glands

Major Salivary Glands

The major salivary glands are the largest and most important salivary glands. They produce most of the saliva in your mouth.

There are three pairs of major salivary glands: the parotid glands, the submandibular glands, and the sublingual glands.

Parotid Glands

The parotid glands are the largest salivary glands. They are located just in front of the ears. The saliva produced in these glands is secreted into the mouth from a duct near your upper second molar.

Each parotid gland has two parts, or lobes: the superficial lobe and the deep lobe. Between the two lobes is the facial nerve. The facial nerve is important because it controls your ability to close your eyes, raise your eyebrows, and smile.

Other critical structures near the parotid glands include the external carotid artery, which is a major supplier of blood to the head and neck region, and the retromandibular vein, a branch of the jugular vein.

Surgery to treat a parotid gland tumor is called a parotidectomy. It requires great precision because the surgeon has to locate and operate around these important structures.

Learn more about parotidectomy.

Submandibular Glands

About the size of a walnut, the submandibular glands are located below the jaw. The saliva produced in these glands is secreted into the mouth from under the tongue.

Like the parotid glands, the submandibular glands have two parts called the superficial lobe and the deep lobe. Nearby structures include:

• the marginal mandibular nerve, which helps you smile
• the platysma muscle, which helps you move your lower lip
• the lingual nerve, which allows sensation in your tongue
• the hypoglossal nerve, which allows movement in the part of your tongue that helps with speech and swallowing

During treatment, we protect all of these important structures to avoid causing damage.

Learn more about submandibular gland cancer surgery.

Sublingual Glands

The sublingual glands are the smallest of the major salivary glands. These almond-shaped structures are located under the floor of the mouth and below either side of the tongue.

Tumors starting in these glands are particularly rare.

Learn more about surgery for cancers that begin in the sublingual glands.

Minor Salivary Glands

There are hundreds of minor salivary glands throughout the mouth and the aerodigestive tract. Unlike the major salivary glands, these glands are too small to be seen without a microscope. Most are found in the lining of the lips, the tongue, and the roof of the mouth, as well as inside the cheeks, nose, sinuses, and larynx (voice box).

Minor salivary gland tumors are extremely rare. However, they are more likely to be cancerous than benign. Cancers of the minor salivary glands most often begin in the roof of the mouth.

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treatment, symptoms and causes of the disease, diagnostics in the “SM-Clinic”

The surgeon deals with the treatment of this disease

• What is atheroma?
• Atheroma symptoms
• Causes of atheroma
• Atheroma diagnostics
• Atheroma treatment
• Doctors

Atheroma can develop on the excretory duct of any sebaceous gland. The sebaceous glands are everywhere except the soles and palms. There are especially many glands on the face, scalp, back between the shoulder blades, chest, and groin. In some areas of the skin, the number of sebaceous glands reaches 900. Therefore, atheroma can have a variety of localization.

Atheroma – a small cavity, not soldered to the skin, easily moves under the skin. Contains a mushy mass, palpable as an elastic, painless ball. This is the result of blockage of the sebaceous gland. Although the excretory duct is blocked, sebum continues to be produced, gradually expanding the duct.

Atheroma increases in size slowly over several years. Patients apply only because of a cosmetic defect, since there are no painful manifestations. Sizes can reach 10 cm or more.

Symptoms of atheroma

A cyst is defined as a soft, round formation that protrudes slightly under the skin. If the contents of the cyst are liquid, then fluctuation (oscillatory movement) is felt. The skin over the atheroma is stretched so much that it cannot be folded. At the top point, a blocked duct can be seen in the form of a black dot. Atheroma is easy to displace relative to neighboring tissues. Education does not give any unpleasant sensations.

If the atheroma is located in a place of close contact with clothing, then scuffs and signs of inflammation may be present.

When located on the scalp, the hair over the atheroma thins and almost always falls out. Due to constant trauma, necrosis (necrosis) often occurs, ulcers form, and slight bleeding occurs. In some patients, the skin over the atheromas on the head becomes dense, cyanotic and painful to the touch.

Causes of atheroma

Blockage of the sebaceous gland occurs for the following reasons:

• genetic – structural features of the sebaceous glands are such that in some glands there is no excretory duct. In this case, the accumulation of sebum begins even in utero, and the born child is covered with atheromas;
• acne, when the mouth of the excretory duct becomes keratinized, and the secretion of the gland becomes more viscous;
• oily seborrhea, when a large amount of sebum forms on the scalp;
• mechanical damage to the gland – boils, cuts, abrasions, scars, permanent hair removal;
• exposure to ionizing radiation;
• ultraviolet irradiation;
• burns and frostbite;
• various hormonal factors resulting from stress.

Usually several pathological mechanisms work simultaneously in one person.

Thus, a blockage can occur for any reason. The resulting secret stretches the duct, and a cavity is obtained. Vessels and nerves are not affected, and the person does not feel anything. However, over time, a dense capsule of connective tissue forms around the swollen cavity. Attempts to puncture and empty the cyst do nothing, as the contents are recruited again and again.

Complicated atheroma is rare, and complications include suppuration. This happens with mechanical pressure or irritation, as well as after independent attempts to empty the cyst. A connective tissue capsule separates the cavity with its contents from the rest of the tissues, and when you try to squeeze it out, it can collapse, and suppuration passes to neighboring areas.

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If you experience these symptoms, we recommend that you make an appointment with your doctor. Timely consultation will prevent negative consequences for your health.

You can find out more about the disease, prices for treatment and sign up for a consultation with a specialist by phone:

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Diagnosis of atheroma

Diagnosis is carried out by a dermatologist or surgical oncologist. During the examination, the doctor detects characteristic changes, paying attention to the location, mobility and size. The speed at which the cyst formed matters.

In a difficult case, an ultrasound of the soft tissues is performed at the site of the cyst. On ultrasound, a capsule is visible, inside it is a thin cyst and contents. During ultrasound, atheroma is delimited from other similar formations – hygromas (sweat gland cyst), fibromas (connective tissue), lipomas (benign tumor of adipose tissue).

If there is still doubt about the nature of the cyst, a histological analysis (study of the cellular composition) is performed during surgical removal.

Treatment of atheroma

The treatment is complex, since it is necessary not only to remove the cyst with the capsule, but also to choose skin care products to prevent the formation of new cysts.

If the cyst is inflamed, then before surgical treatment, all measures are taken to stop the inflammation. Antibacterial and disinfectants, agents to reduce the formation of sebum are prescribed.

Operative treatment is possible in two variants:

• classical cystectomy — exfoliation of the capsule with a scalpel with a cosmetic suture;
• radio wave removal – high frequency waves evaporate the liquid from the capsule, as a result, the formation is eliminated. This method is preferable because it is not accompanied by bleeding and scarring, but cannot be used in patients with a pacemaker and the presence of metal structures in the body.
• With festering atheroma, pus is first evacuated and the inflammation subsides, and only then the capsule is husked.

The best prevention of atheroma is to see a dermatologist for any skin changes. After the examination, the doctor selects skin care medications that normalize the production of sebum. The entire range of medical services for the diagnosis, treatment and prevention of atheroma is available at the SM-Clinic.

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causes, symptoms of the disease, diagnosis and treatment

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Atheroma: causes, symptoms, diagnosis and treatment.

Definition

Atheroma is a cyst (pathological cavity) of the sebaceous gland, resulting from difficulty or complete cessation of the outflow of secretion (sebum) from the gland. The sebaceous glands are external secretion glands and are located in almost all parts of the skin, with the exception of the palms, soles and back of the feet. The secret produced by them is part of the water-lipid mantle of the skin. If the duct of the gland is clogged, then the secret begins to accumulate in it, stretches it with the formation of a cavity lined with the epidermis and containing the secretion products of the sebaceous gland, cholesterol crystals, keratinized epidermal cells and detritus (decay products) – this is atheroma.

Atheromas occur in 5-10% of the population, mainly formed at the age of 20-30 years, with the same frequency in men and women.

Causes of atheroma

Atheroma occurs as a result of disruption of the sebaceous glands, which is manifested by increased production of sebum and blockage of the duct. A number of factors predispose to this: increased sweating, insufficient hygiene, narrowness of the ducts of the sebaceous glands, individually determined high viscosity of sebum, chronic skin trauma, hormonal disorders, frostbite and burns. Affects the development of atheroma and hereditary factor.

The use of antiperspirants can contribute to blockage of the duct.

Disease classification

Allocate true and false cysts. True sebaceous cysts are a hereditary disease and are extremely rare. They develop as a result of a genetic defect that affects the formation of the gland. Typically, such cysts are found in newborns and are small in size. False cysts are actually atheromas that have arisen due to a violation of the outflow of the secretion of the sebaceous gland.

Symptoms of atheroma

Atheromas most often occur in areas of the body where there are many sebaceous glands, for example, on the scalp, face, neck, in the interscapular space.

Atheroma is a mobile formation of a round or slightly elongated shape, dense or elastic consistency, covered with unchanged skin. A characteristic sign of atheroma, which distinguishes it from other formations, is the presence of a point retraction of the skin (crater) in the area of ​​​​the excretory duct of the gland and adhesion of the skin to the cyst membrane in the same place. Sometimes in the middle of the atheroma there is a hole through which its contents are released – curdled masses with an unpleasant odor.

The size of atheroma can vary from a pea to a chicken egg and even more, reaching 10 cm. Atheroma always rises above the level of the skin, increases slowly, usually painless.

Diagnosis of atheroma

To make a diagnosis, the doctor performs a clinical examination, in some cases an ultrasound examination may be required.

Ultrasound of soft tissues

Examination of soft tissues to detect pathological changes and diagnose neoplasms.

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A biopsy of the formation is rarely performed, since the risk of degeneration of atheroma into a malignant neoplasm is extremely low.

Which doctors to contact

Diagnosis can be made by a dermatologist,
general practitioner or
therapist. Surgical treatment is performed
surgeon.

In order to prevent the appearance of new foci, patients turn to a cosmetologist for a consultation.

Treatment of atheroma

Surgical removal of atheroma together with the capsule gives the best results – this reduces the risk of recurrence. The operation is performed under local anesthesia, usually on an outpatient basis. If the atheroma is located on the face, then sparing methods can be used for aesthetic purposes, such as cystotomy, which involves cutting the skin, opening the atheroma capsule and evacuating the contents of its cavity.

Laser destruction of atheroma is an alternative to surgical removal. There are three methods of laser intervention – laser photocoagulation, laser excision of atheroma together with the shell and laser evaporation of the atheroma shell from the inside. The type of intervention is determined by the surgeon, choosing the most optimal for each individual patient.

Complications

Atheroma may suppurate. This process is accompanied by pain, redness and swelling of the skin. As a rule, the inflammatory process develops slowly. Education is delimited by a capsule, so local and general inflammatory changes during suppuration are poorly expressed. Festering atheroma can spontaneously open with the release of pus with an unpleasant odor.

Atheroma prevention

For prevention, it is recommended to thoroughly cleanse the skin, preventing its pollution and removing excess sebum. If there is a predisposition to the formation of atheromas, it is better to abandon the use of antiperspirants. Beauticians recommend limiting the intake of foods containing a large amount of animal fats and quickly digestible carbohydrates.

Sources:

1. Clinical guidelines “Cysts of the maxillofacial region and neck”. Society of specialists in the field of maxillofacial surgery. 2020.
2. Tarasenko G.N. et al. Atheroma: a problem for a cosmetologist or a dermatologist? // Hospital medicine: science and practice.