K11: Diseases of salivary glands
K11.0: Atrophy of salivary gland
The salivary glands produce saliva and transport it to the mouth. In all, there are 6 large salivary glands. The two parotid glands are located in front of the left and right ear. The two submandibular glands are located to the left and right at the back of the lower jaw. The two sublingual glands are located to the left and right beneath the tongue.
Salivary glands can get smaller if you get repeated inflammation in the salivary glands. Salivary glands can get smaller if you drink too much alcohol or drink it too often.
Salivary glands that have got smaller may be perceived as hard nodules. Fat can be deposited around shrunken salivary glands and cause swellings there. Salivary glands also form less saliva when they shrink.
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The information provided on this page is for general educational purposes only. It is not intended for self-diagnosis and does not replace professional medical advice. Always consult your doctor or a qualified healthcare provider with any questions or concerns about your health.
If you see an ICD diagnosis code (e.g., on a medical report), be aware that doctors may also include additional indicators to express diagnostic certainty. Only a healthcare professional can interpret these codes accurately in the context of your individual case.
For a complete understanding of your condition and what the diagnosis means for you, please speak directly with your doctor.