Differential Diagnosis for Parotid Swelling and Sore Throat
Single Most Likely Diagnosis
- Viral Parotitis (Mumps): This is the most likely diagnosis due to the combination of parotid swelling and sore throat, which are classic symptoms of mumps, especially in non-immunized individuals or during outbreaks.
Other Likely Diagnoses
- Bacterial Parotitis: This condition, often caused by Staphylococcus aureus, can lead to parotid swelling and pain, sometimes accompanied by a sore throat if there's associated lymphadenitis or pharyngitis.
- Sialadenitis: Inflammation of the salivary glands, which can be caused by bacterial or viral infections, leading to swelling and pain in the parotid area and potentially a sore throat due to referred pain or associated infections.
- Lymphadenitis: Inflammation of the lymph nodes in the neck, which can cause sore throat and, if the parotid lymph nodes are involved, parotid swelling.
Do Not Miss Diagnoses
- Parotid Tumors: Although less common, tumors of the parotid gland (benign or malignant) can cause swelling and, if they obstruct the salivary ducts or invade surrounding tissues, could lead to sore throat or facial pain.
- Sjögren's Syndrome: An autoimmune disorder that can cause swelling of the parotid glands and sore throat due to dry mouth (xerostomia), which increases the risk of oral infections.
- HIV Infection: Can present with parotid swelling (parotid enlargement) and sore throat among other systemic symptoms, especially in the acute phase of the infection.
Rare Diagnoses
- Heerfordt's Syndrome (Uveoparotid Fever): A form of sarcoidosis that affects the parotid gland, uvea, and sometimes the facial nerve, causing parotid swelling, uveitis, fever, and possibly sore throat.
- IgG4-Related Disease: A systemic fibroinflammatory disease that can cause swelling of the parotid glands among other manifestations, including lymphadenopathy and sore throat due to involvement of the salivary glands and surrounding tissues.
- Granulomatosis with Polyangiitis (Wegener's Granulomatosis): A rare autoimmune disorder that can affect various parts of the body, including the parotid glands and the respiratory tract, leading to a combination of parotid swelling and sore throat.