What causes enlarged cervical nodes inside the parotid gland?
Patient: Hi Doctor, I've had recurring swelling around my right parotid gland for years. Every time I see a doctor, they tell me it's infection. Recently, I noticed that the swelling doesn't go away at all, no matter what anti biotics I am on. In the past 2 months, docs put me on anti biotics for 5 weeks and realized that the swelling isn't subsiding. So an ultra sound was done, and was told that the duct on the right side is enhanced - twice the size of the left one and has a very irregular shape however there's no stone or calculus. Now my MRI says that there are multiple enlarged superior cervical nodes inside the parotid gland... some measure upto 2 cms. What does this all mean and why are they suggesting biopsy? Doctor: Hi..Welcome to HEALTHCARE MAGIC..I have gone through your query and can understand your concern...As per your complain and presentation of symptoms if you are suffering from recurring infection of the parotid gland and the antibiotics that you are taking is not providing you relief that means the infectious organisms are resistant to the antibiotics or the infection is not bacterial in nature and the antibiotics can only treat bacterial infections..The enlarged cervical lumph nodes are due to infection itself and you need to consult an ENT expert and get evaluated and he can advise you to get a blood investigation as well as saliva investigation done to rule out the causative organisms..Culture and sensitivity testing will also be advised to rule out the exact stain of bacteria or virus causing the infection and treatment can be done targeting the same..Biopsy is commonly advised to rule out the exact cause of swollen lymph nodes which can be benign or malignant in nature..Hope this information helps..Thanks and regards..Dr.Honey Nandwani Arora.