Salivary Gland Swelling

Salivary gland swelling may be due to infection, stones, autoimmune diseases and tumour. Painful swellings are usually due to inflammation and are treated with anti-inflammatory. Infected glands are treated with antibiotics. Recurrent swelling associated with dry mouth, sore eyes, rash and joint pains suggest autoimmune causes. Tumour tends to be painless unless infected.

Imaging is needed to delineate the nature of the lesion. Biopsy are usually done to exclude cancer. Most tumours are removed surgically eventually.