The submandibular gland is a paired gland found on either side of the head just under the jaw, and is the second largest of the salivary, or spit-producing glands. Other salivary glands include the parotid glands in front of the ears, the sublingual glands under the tongue, and the numerous minor salivary glands throughout the mouth and throat. The submandibular gland is primarily responsible for producing baseline saliva. Saliva is very important for breaking down starches, has substances to fight infection, and protects the teeth. The submandibular gland may have to be removed surgically when there is a benign or cancerous tumor (pleomorphic adenoma, mucoepidermoid carcinoma, adenoid cystic carcinoma, acinic cell carcinoma, etc), or someone has chronic inflammation and repeated infections from salivary stones.
In order to resect the submandibular gland, head and neck surgeons must find the digastric and mylohyoid muscles, the lingual nerve (provides sensation to the tongue), and the submandibular gland duct. Large stones relatively close to the gland may be removed at the same time.
Eric M. Genden, MD, MHCA, FACS Dr. Isidore Friesner Professor and Chair of Otolaryngology – Head and Neck Surgery Senior Associate Dean for Clinical Affairs Professor of Neurosurgery and Immunology Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai Director, Head and Neck Institute-Center of Excellence for Head and Neck Cancer Mount Sinai Health System
Michael Berger, MD Assistant Professor, Department of Otolaryngology-Head and Neck Surgery Division of Otology-Neurotology, Lateral Skull Base Surgery Mount Sinai Health System
Raymond L. Chai, MD Associate Professor, Otolaryngology – Head and Neck Surgery Mount Sinai Health System
Mohemmed Nazir Khan, MD Assistant Professor, Department of Otolaryngology Mount Sinai Union Square
Diana N. Kirke, MD Assistant Professor, Otolaryngology, Head and Neck Surgery The Mount Sinai Hospital
Scott Allan Roof, MD Assistant Professor, Head and Neck Surgery Mount Sinai Health System
Marita S. Teng, MD Professor, Otolaryngology – Head and Neck Surgery Mount Sinai Health System
Mark Urken, MD Chief, Division of Head and Neck Surgical Oncology, Co-Director, Institute for Head and Neck and Thyroid Cancer, Department of Otolaryngology, Mount Sinai Union Square Mount Sinai Health System
Zan Mra, MD Assistant Professor, Otolaryngology Mount Sinai Brooklyn
Edward J. Shin, MD Professor, Ear, Nose, Throat (ENT) / Otolaryngology - Head and Neck Surgery New York Eye and Ear Infirmary of Mount Sinai
Joshua Zeiger, MD Assistant Professor, Department of Otolaryngology - Head and Neck Surgery Mount Sinai Health System
Zachary G. Schwam, MD Assistant Professor, Department of Otolaryngology-Head and Neck Surgery Division of Otology-Neurotology, Lateral Skull Base Surgery Mount Sinai Health System
