Evaluation
of crystallization processes in the calculi of
the submandibular salivary glands Elzbieta Reroñ, Jacek Skladzieñ,
Marek Pawlikowski & Janusz Stepiñski
Key words: salivary glands, calculi
Abstract Four patients were subjected to sialolithotomy
of the submandibular gland in the Department of Otolaryngology,
Collegium Medicum, Jagiellonian University in Cracow. The resected
calculi were examined under a scanning electron microscope and
chemical analysis of their structure was carried out. Results
of these studies were compared with clinical observations.
It has been found that sialoliths are built up by inorganic
salts, mainly calcium compounds. Crystallization processes proceed
at variable rates and are related to duration of the disease
and intensity of inflammatory reaction.
