Gland atrophy is the shrinking or wasting away of a gland. This can happen due to various reasons, including aging, injury, disease, or lack of stimulation. For example, salivary gland atrophy can occur as a result of aging, chronic inflammation, or radiation therapy.
Here are some common causes of gland atrophy:
- Aging: As we age, our glands naturally shrink in size.
- Injury: Trauma or surgery can damage glands, leading to atrophy.
- Disease: Certain diseases, such as Sjögren's syndrome or autoimmune disorders, can affect gland function and cause atrophy.
- Radiation therapy: Radiation therapy for cancer treatment can damage glands and lead to atrophy.
- Lack of stimulation: If a gland is not used regularly, it may shrink due to a lack of stimulation.
Gland atrophy can lead to various symptoms depending on the affected gland. For example, salivary gland atrophy can cause dry mouth, while atrophy of the meibomian glands in the eyelids can contribute to dry eyes.
