Conditions that can cause unilateral parotid swelling
Obstruction due to tumor, stone, or stricture of the duct
- Tumors
- May be painless unless advanced and associated with decreased saliva production
- Definitive diagnosis is with imaging and fine-needle biopsy
- Stones
- Associated with dehydration, malnutrition, and poor oral hygiene
- Definitive diagnosis is with imaging, usually including sialography
- Strictures
- Usually associated with recurrent salivary infections or duct trauma
- Definitive diagnosis is with sialography
