Lymph Nodes and the Salivary Glands

Approximately 300 lymph nodes are distributed throughout the head and neck region. They lie in a close anatomic relationship with the major salivary glands (SG). Some nodes are located within the gland, predominantly within the parotid gland, while others occupy a paraglandular position around the parotid and submandibular salivary glands. Consequently because of this anatomic partnership, any disease entity, whether local or systemic, that involves the lymph nodes with the development of a primary or secondary lymphadenopathy will cause a swelling that mimics sialadenopathy.