Sjögren’s disease: Labial (lip) salivary gland biopsy

Step 1

The doctor identifies a minor salivary gland located in the lower lip.

Step 2

The doctor injects a drug to numb the area of the lower lip that has the most glands.

Step 3

The doctor makes a small incision, taking care to avoid damage to small nerves and blood vessels. The gland sticks out and the doctor uses forceps to remove the gland.

Step 4

The doctor closes the incision with an absorbable suture.

Patients might experience discomfort, which usually improves after 1 to 2 days. Other complications are rare and can including bleeding, fainting, bruising, local numbness/tingling and the formation of a small nodule.

Aftercare: Patients can take nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory agents (such as ibuprofen or naproxen) to help with discomfort and use a topical cooling like ice 15 minutes on and 15 minutes off applied to the outside of the lip.