Differential Diagnosis for Submandibular Gland Swelling
- Single Most Likely Diagnosis
- Sialadenitis (inflammation of the salivary gland): This is the most common cause of submandibular gland swelling, often due to bacterial or viral infections, and can be acute or chronic.
- Other Likely Diagnoses
- Sialolithiasis (salivary stone): Stones in the submandibular gland or duct can cause obstruction and swelling.
- Benign tumors (e.g., pleomorphic adenoma): These are common in the salivary glands and can cause swelling.
- Malignant tumors (e.g., adenoid cystic carcinoma): Although less common, cancer should be considered, especially in older adults or those with a history of radiation exposure.
- Do Not Miss Diagnoses
- Abscess: A collection of pus in the gland or surrounding tissue, which can be life-threatening if not treated promptly.
- Necrotizing sialometaplasia: A rare condition that can mimic a malignant tumor but is actually a benign, self-limiting condition.
- Sjögren's syndrome: An autoimmune disorder that can cause salivary gland swelling and has systemic implications.
- Rare Diagnoses
- Kimura disease: A rare, chronic inflammatory disorder that can cause salivary gland swelling, often associated with lymphadenopathy and eosinophilia.
- IgG4-related disease: A systemic fibroinflammatory condition that can affect the salivary glands, among other organs.
- Granulomatous diseases (e.g., sarcoidosis, tuberculosis): These can rarely cause submandibular gland swelling as part of a systemic disease process.