ENT: Parotid Gland Swelling: Free MSRA Podcast

🎧 FREE MSRA PODCAST – Parotid Gland Swelling: Causes, Diagnosis & ManagementMaster parotid gland swelling for the MSRA with this high-yield episode! We break down causes, red flag features, diagnosis and management, all based on the latest UK NICE guidelines and structured for rapid revision. Perfect for exam prep or clinical reference!🧠 Key Learning PointsDefinition• Parotid gland swelling = enlargement of one or both major salivary glands, just in front of the ear and over the jaw.• Can be unilateral or bilateral, acute or chronic.Causes• Infectious: – Viral: Mumps (bilateral), HIV, CMV – Bacterial: Acute bacterial parotitis• Obstructive: Salivary stones (sialolithiasis), ductal blockage• Tumours: – Benign: Pleomorphic adenoma (most common) – Malignant: Mucoepidermoid carcinoma• Autoimmune/Systemic: Sjögren’s syndrome, sarcoidosis, lymphoma, alcoholic liver diseaseSymptoms• Swelling in front of the ear/jaw• Pain, often worse with eating or chewing• Dry mouth (xerostomia), altered taste• Fever, malaise if infectious• Facial nerve weakness (suggests malignancy or abscess)Diagnosis• Careful history & examination• Imaging: Ultrasound (first-line), CT or MRI if deeper or suspicious lesions• FNA/Biopsy: If malignancy is possible or diagnosis unclear• Blood tests if infection/autoimmune suspectedRed Flags & Differentials• Persistent or rapidly growing mass• Facial nerve palsy• Constitutional symptoms (weight loss, night sweats)• Rule out: submandibular swelling, lymphadenopathy, cysts, neck massesManagement• Infectious: Antibiotics for bacterial, supportive care for viral (rest, fluids, analgesia)• Obstructive: Gland massage, hydration, sialogogues (e.g. lemon drops); may need stone removal• Tumours: Usually surgical removal (esp. pleomorphic adenomas)• Autoimmune: Treat underlying condition (immunosuppressants, lubricants for dry mouth)• ENT referral for uncertain, recurrent, or complex casesComplications• Abscess formation, cellulitis• Chronic or recurrent swelling• Facial nerve injury (esp. post-surgery or with malignancy)• Salivary fistula• Cosmetic deformity• Underlying malignancy📎 More Parotid Gland Swelling Revision Resources:📝 Revision Notes: https://www.passthemsra.com/topic/parotid-gland-swelling-revision-notes/💬 Flashcards: https://www.passthemsra.com/topic/parotid-gland-swelling-flashcards/🧠 Q&A Notes: https://www.passthemsra.com/topic/parotid-gland-swelling-accordion-qa-notes/📝 Rapid Quiz: https://www.passthemsra.com/topic/parotid-gland-swelling-rapid-quiz/🎯 Quiz Portal: https://www.passthemsra.com/quizzes/parotid-gland-swelling/📚 ENT Course: https://www.passthemsra.com/courses/ent-for-the-msra/🏷️ Hashtags#MSRA #ParotidGland #ENTRevision #SalivaryGland #MSRAENT #MSRAFlashcards #MSRAQuestionBank #PassTheMSRA #FreeMSRA #MedicalRevision #FacialNerve #MedicalPodcast #Revision