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Head & Neck Cancer Surgery

Submandibular Gland Surgery in Chennai — Precise, Nerve-Sparing Salivary Surgery

Experienced head & neck team • Nerve-sparing technique • Discreet incision

Head and neck surgeon examining submandibular gland at THANC Hospital, Chennai
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The submandibular gland sits close to two important nerves — the marginal mandibular branch that shapes your smile and the lingual nerve that supplies taste. This page explains how THANC plans surgery to protect both.

About Submandibular Gland Surgery at THANC

Submandibular gland surgery treats stones, chronic infection and benign or malignant tumours of the submandibular gland. At THANC, our head and neck team performs removal of the gland through a carefully placed incision in a neck skin crease, using meticulous dissection to protect the marginal mandibular, lingual and hypoglossal nerves. Smaller stones may also be managed with sialendoscopy before considering gland removal.

Who Needs Submandibular Gland Surgery?

You may be a candidate if you experience any of the following:

  • Recurrent submandibular gland swelling due to stones
  • Chronic sialadenitis not settling with conservative treatment
  • Benign submandibular gland tumours — such as pleomorphic adenoma
  • Malignant tumours of the submandibular gland
  • Large or impacted salivary gland stones not amenable to sialendoscopy
  • Persistent pain or swelling affecting eating and quality of life

What to Expect

A clear step-by-step view of your treatment journey at THANC.

  1. 1

    Assessment

    Clinical examination, ultrasound and — where needed — imaging or sialendoscopy define whether the problem is a stone, infection or tumour. Biopsy is arranged when a neoplasm is suspected.

  2. 2

    The Surgery

    Performed under general anaesthesia through a small incision in a natural neck skin crease. The surgeon carefully identifies and protects the marginal mandibular, lingual and hypoglossal nerves, and removes the gland with a specimen that is sent for histopathology.

  3. 3

    Hospital Stay

    Most patients go home the same day or after one night. A small drain may be used for a day. Pain is generally mild and well controlled with simple oral medication.

  4. 4

    Follow-up

    The wound heals discreetly in the natural neck crease. Histopathology guides any additional treatment for tumour cases, and a short clinical review confirms nerve function and scar healing.

Why Patients Trust THANC for Head & Neck Surgery

Head and neck cancer and gland surgery at THANC is delivered by a multidisciplinary team built around the operating surgeon, anaesthesia, pathology, and rehabilitation. Every plan is tailored to your tumour stage, voice needs, and swallowing function — with world-class care at affordable rates.

  • Senior head and neck surgeons with high-volume gland and oncology experience
  • Multidisciplinary tumour review before every major case
  • Voice, swallowing and shoulder rehabilitation integrated into recovery
  • Nerve-monitoring for thyroid, parathyroid and parotid surgery
  • Onco-pathology and frozen-section support during surgery
  • Personalised estimate prepared after consultation and imaging review

Frequently Asked Questions

Why does my submandibular gland keep swelling?
Recurrent swelling is most often caused by a stone blocking the duct, leading to food-triggered swelling and pain. Less commonly, chronic infection or a tumour can cause persistent swelling. Ultrasound and clinical assessment usually identify the cause.
Can salivary stones be treated without surgery?
Small stones near the duct opening can sometimes be removed by milking the gland or through sialendoscopy. Large, impacted stones or those in the body of the gland often need gland removal to give lasting relief.
Will my smile be affected after this surgery?
The marginal mandibular nerve, which shapes your lower lip when you smile, runs very close to the gland. We carefully identify and protect it during surgery. Temporary mild weakness can occasionally occur and usually recovers, while permanent weakness is uncommon with experienced technique.
How long is the recovery?
Most patients resume light work within 5 to 7 days. Strenuous exercise and heavy lifting are usually avoided for 2 weeks while the wound heals. Soft diet is advised for the first few days for comfort.
Will THANC provide a personalised estimate?
Yes. After consultation, imaging and any required biopsy, our team shares a written, case-specific estimate. THANC's rates are consistently lower than prevailing market rates in Chennai.

Related Reading

Patient guides and educational articles on related topics.

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Submandibular Gland Surgery at THANC

  • Senior head and neck surgeons with high-volume gland and oncology experience
  • Multidisciplinary tumour review before every major case
  • Voice, swallowing and shoulder rehabilitation integrated into recovery
  • Nerve-monitoring for thyroid, parathyroid and parotid surgery
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