If a particular abnormal lymphocyte begins to multiply excessively, lymphoma may develop over the course of several years. Those at risk include people who already have an autoimmune disease, such as rheumatoid arthritis or systemic lupus erythematosus , commonly known as lupus, and those who have family members with an autoimmune disease.
Treatment for both types is the same. Some medications, including antidepressants and antihistamines, can cause similar symptoms of dryness. A blood test can detect specific antibodies—immune system proteins that normally bind to harmful substances—that may signal autoimmune diseases. Your doctor may also use blood tests to rule out conditions with similar symptoms, including other autoimmune disorders, such as lupus, rheumatoid arthritis, sarcoidosis , and hypothyroidism , and liver disease, such as hepatitis C.
Sialometry is a noninvasive test used to measure how much saliva you produce. During this test, you are asked to sit without chewing or talking for 5 to 15 minutes, and spit the saliva that collects in your mouth into a tube for measurement. Alternatively, you may be asked to perform this test after stimulating saliva production by chewing on gauze or placing lemon juice on your tongue. Your doctor assesses how much saliva is produced in a certain period and measures it against predetermined standards of saliva production.
Your rheumatologist may refer you to an ear, nose, and throat specialist for the biopsy. The doctor first injects a local anesthetic into your lower lip. Then, using a needle or a scalpel and tweezers, the doctor removes roughly five salivary glands and sends them to a laboratory for examination. Stitches may be necessary to close the incision, and there may be soreness or numbness after the procedure.
Ocular surface staining to look closely at the surfaces of your eyes for damage and dryness. Salivary gland function scans, which look at the glands on the sides of your neck, below your ears and under your jaw. A biopsy of your lip to look for inflammation of the glands that produce saliva and tears. This test can determine the type of inflammation and the severity. Do you have a foreign body sensation in your eye? How often do you use artificial tears each day? Do you experience salivary gland swelling?
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