Single Best Answer (SBA) · Salivary Gland Disorders
A middle-aged woman has dry eyes and a dry mouth with bilateral salivary gland enlargement. Which degenerative/autoimmune salivary gland disorder should be considered?
Show answer and explanation
Answer: C. Sjogren's syndrome
Sjogren's syndrome
Sjogren's syndrome is an autoimmune (degenerative) salivary gland disorder causing dry mouth (xerostomia) and dry eyes (keratoconjunctivitis sicca), often with salivary gland enlargement.
Salivary gland disorders by category
| Category | Examples |
|---|---|
| Infective | Viral (mumps), bacterial (S. aureus) parotitis |
| Obstructive | Duct calculi, papillary obstruction |
| Neoplastic | Benign (pleomorphic adenoma, Warthin's), malignant |
| Degenerative | Sjogren's syndrome, sialosis |
Why it matters
- Sjogren's is associated with other autoimmune conditions and an increased risk of salivary lymphoma, so recognition and appropriate referral matter.
- Sialosis is a non-inflammatory, often bilateral gland enlargement (e.g. with alcohol, diabetes, malnutrition).
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