Salivary gland fistula
A salivary gland fistula is a fistula involving a salivary gland or duct.
Salivary gland fistulae are almost always related to the parotid gland or duct, although the submandibular gland is rarely the origin.
The fistula can communicate with the mouth, the paranasal sinuses or the facial skin.
The usual cause is trauma, however salivary fistula can occur as a complication of surgery, or if the duct becomes obstructed with a calculus.
Most parotid fistulae heal by themselves within a few weeks.
