Differential Diagnosis for Sialoadenitis
- Single most likely diagnosis
- Viral sialoadenitis (e.g., mumps): This is the most common cause of sialoadenitis, especially in children and young adults, and is often accompanied by other symptoms such as fever, headache, and fatigue.
- Other Likely diagnoses
- Bacterial sialoadenitis (e.g., Staphylococcus aureus, Streptococcus pneumoniae): This can occur due to ascending infection from the oral cavity, especially in individuals with decreased salivary flow or obstructed salivary glands.
- Sialolithiasis (salivary stone): This condition can cause obstruction of the salivary gland, leading to inflammation and infection.
- Autoimmune sialoadenitis (e.g., Sjögren's syndrome): This is an autoimmune disorder that can cause inflammation of the salivary glands, often accompanied by dry eyes and other systemic symptoms.
- Do Not Miss diagnoses
- Acute suppurative sialoadenitis: This is a severe infection that can lead to abscess formation and potentially life-threatening complications if not promptly treated.
- Necrotizing sialometaplasia: This is a rare but potentially deadly condition that can mimic a malignant tumor, and requires prompt diagnosis and treatment to prevent serious complications.
- Sialoadenitis due to HIV or other immunocompromising conditions: Individuals with weakened immune systems are more susceptible to opportunistic infections, including those affecting the salivary glands.
- Rare diagnoses
- Sarcoidosis: This is a systemic granulomatous disease that can affect the salivary glands, among other organs.
- Tuberculosis: This is a rare cause of sialoadenitis, but can occur in individuals with pulmonary or extrapulmonary tuberculosis.
- Actinomycosis: This is a rare bacterial infection that can cause chronic inflammation and abscess formation in the salivary glands.
- Kimura disease: This is a rare, chronic inflammatory disorder that can affect the salivary glands and other tissues, often accompanied by lymphadenopathy and eosinophilia.