Differential Diagnosis for Unilateral Submandibular Swelling with Local Lymphadenopathy
- Single Most Likely Diagnosis
- Dental infection or abscess: This is the most common cause of unilateral submandibular swelling, often accompanied by local lymphadenopathy due to the spread of infection.
- Other Likely Diagnoses
- Sialadenitis (inflammation of the salivary gland): This condition can cause swelling and pain in the submandibular area, along with lymphadenopathy, and can be caused by bacterial or viral infections.
- Lymphoma: Although less common, lymphoma can present with unilateral lymphadenopathy and swelling in the submandibular area.
- Metastatic cancer: Cancers from other parts of the body can metastasize to the lymph nodes in the submandibular area, causing swelling and lymphadenopathy.
- Do Not Miss Diagnoses
- Tuberculosis: Although rare in some regions, tuberculosis can cause lymphadenopathy and swelling in the submandibular area, and missing this diagnosis could have serious consequences.
- Cat-scratch disease: Caused by Bartonella henselae, this infection can lead to significant lymphadenopathy, including in the submandibular region, and is important not to miss due to its specific treatment.
- Sjögren's syndrome: An autoimmune disorder that can affect the salivary glands, leading to swelling and lymphadenopathy, and is important to diagnose due to its systemic implications.
- Rare Diagnoses
- Kimura disease: A rare, chronic inflammatory disorder that can cause lymphadenopathy and swelling in the submandibular area, often accompanied by eosinophilia.
- Kikuchi-Fujimoto disease: A rare condition characterized by lymphadenopathy, often in the cervical region, which can include the submandibular area, and is important to consider in the differential diagnosis due to its unique presentation.
- Actinomycosis: A rare bacterial infection that can cause abscesses and lymphadenopathy in the submandibular region, among other areas.