Sialadenosis (Sialosis) of the Parotid Gland

Sialadenosis (sialosis) is a chronic, diffuse, noninflammatory, non-neoplastic disorder causing diffuse enlargement of the salivary glands, usually the parotid glands, and less commonly the submandibular and minor salivary glands. The most common causes are chronic alcoholism, diabetes mellitus, and obesity, but there are other incriminated rare conditions, such as malnutrition, bulimia, or drugs. The diagnosis is clinically suspected (enlargements of salivary glands) and is completed with ultrasound evaluation that shows a homogeneous, hyperechoic, and enlarged gland or, rarely, using biopsy to rule out another diagnosis. This chapter discusses the etiology, pathogenesis, pathology, clinical presentation, investigations, diagnosis, and management of sialadenosis of the parotid gland.