# Why does a salivary gland swell?

> Stones, infections such as mumps, tumours, cysts and Sjögren’s syndrome: why a salivary gland swells, how the cause is found and when to see a doctor.

Source: https://www.aysenurmerichafiz.com/en/blog/why-does-a-salivary-gland-swell/  
Updated: 2026-10-29

Blog · Salivary glands

By: [Prof. Dr. Ayşenur Meriç Hafız](https://www.aysenurmerichafiz.com/en/about/) · Updated: 29 October 2026 · 4 min read · Translated from the original Turkish article.

In brief

One of the most common causes is a stone blocking the duct; infections, tumours, cysts and autoimmune diseases such as Sjögren’s syndrome also make a gland swell. A lump that does not go away in two to three weeks, or weakness of the face, should be seen by a doctor.

Diagram Three common causes of a swollen salivary gland: a stone blocking the duct, infection and a tumour.

Many different problems stop saliva from draining, either by interfering with the function of the salivary glands or by blocking their ducts; the glands then swell.

## The common causes

Salivary glands swell for several common reasons.

Salivary gland stones are among the most common of these causes. These stones are deposits of crystallised saliva. They can sometimes block the flow of saliva, which can cause the salivary glands to swell. Stones most often affect the gland under the jaw (the submandibular gland).1,2,3

Infections caused by various viruses and bacteria can also make the salivary glands swell. The most familiar example of these infections is mumps.1,2

Benign or malignant tumours can also cause swelling in the salivary gland. Most salivary gland tumours occur in the parotid gland, and the majority are benign.1,4

Cysts, whether congenital or developing after an infection or trauma, can also cause swelling in the salivary glands.1

Finally, the salivary glands can swell in autoimmune diseases such as Sjögren’s syndrome, in which the body attacks itself.1

## How the swellings differ

The symptoms vary with the cause:

- **Stone:** a painful lump in the affected gland; the pain and swelling come on most often while eating or drinking.1,3
- **Bacterial infection:** a tender, painful lump, sometimes with a foul-tasting discharge of pus into the mouth and, in severe cases, fever and chills.1,5
- **Viral infection such as mumps:** it often begins with fever, headache, muscle aches and poor appetite; the parotid glands then swell, usually on both sides of the face.1
- **Tumour:** a firm, slowly growing lump that usually does not hurt.1,6
- **Cyst:** a lump that does not hurt.1
- **Sjögren’s syndrome:** swollen glands together with dry eyes and a dry mouth.1

Pain, rapid growth, a lump that is fixed to the surrounding tissue and signs that a nerve is affected all suggest a malignant tumour. A third of malignant tumours, however, grow quietly and may be impossible to tell from benign lumps on examination; the diagnosis therefore rests on imaging and a tissue sample as well.4

## How the cause is found

To identify the cause, an ear, nose and throat examination is essential, followed by tests directed at the suspected cause. The doctor asks about your symptoms and examines the head and neck, including the inside of the mouth; a stone can sometimes be felt under the tongue.1,3

Ultrasound, computed tomography (CT) or magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) is used to confirm a stone, to look for an abscess when an infection is suspected, and to confirm that there is a growth.3,5,6

A needle sample is taken when the swelling may be a tumour. The United Kingdom guidelines recommend an ultrasound-guided fine-needle sample for all salivary gland tumours; it is the main diagnostic test and can distinguish malignant from benign disease in 90% of cases.4

## What is done for each cause

The treatment of a swollen salivary gland also depends on its cause.

- **Stone:** the aim is to remove the stone. Steps at home are drinking plenty of water and using sugar-free lemon drops to increase saliva; small stones sometimes pass on their own. The doctor may be able to push the stone out of the duct; in some cases it is removed with very small instruments passed into the duct (sialendoscopy) or by surgery.1,3
- **Infection:** a bacterial infection is treated with antibiotics, and an abscess is drained if one has formed. Antibiotics do not work against viruses; viral infections almost always go away on their own, and treatment is aimed at relieving the symptoms.1,5
- **Tumour:** surgery is most often done to remove the affected gland. If the tumour is benign, no other treatment is needed; if it is cancerous, radiation therapy or more extensive surgery may be needed.6
- **Cyst:** a small cyst may drain on its own without treatment; larger cysts can be removed by surgery.1

## When to see a doctor

See a doctor if you have:

- a lump or swelling in the mouth, under the jaw or in the neck that does not go away in two to three weeks, or that is getting larger6
- pain when eating or chewing6
- numbness, weakness or pain in the face that does not go away7

See a doctor immediately if the lump is painful, red or tender, comes with fever and chills, or makes it hard to open your mouth, speak, chew or swallow. A high fever, trouble breathing or trouble swallowing during a salivary gland infection needs medical help right away.1,5

## References

1. Harvard Health Publishing. Salivary gland disorders \[Internet\]. Boston (MA): Harvard Health Publishing; 2026 Mar 17 \[cited 2026 Oct 12\]. Available from: [health.harvard.edu](https://www.health.harvard.edu/ear-nose-and-throat/salivary-gland-disorders-a-to-z) ↩
2. Kim MJ, Milliren A, Gerold DJ Jr. Salivary gland disorders: rapid evidence review. Am Fam Physician. 2024;109(6):550-559. Available from: [aafp.org](https://www.aafp.org/afp/2024/0600/salivary-gland-disorders) ↩
3. MedlinePlus. Salivary duct stones \[Internet\]. Bethesda (MD): National Library of Medicine; \[reviewed 2025 Jul 28; cited 2026 Oct 12\]. Available from: [medlineplus.gov](https://medlineplus.gov/ency/article/001039.htm) ↩
4. Sood S, McGurk M, Vaz F. Management of salivary gland tumours: United Kingdom National Multidisciplinary Guidelines. J Laryngol Otol. 2016;130(S2):S142-S149. [doi:10.1017/S0022215116000566](https://doi.org/10.1017/S0022215116000566) ↩
5. MedlinePlus. Salivary gland infections \[Internet\]. Bethesda (MD): National Library of Medicine; \[reviewed 2025 Jul 28; cited 2026 Oct 13\]. Available from: [medlineplus.gov](https://medlineplus.gov/ency/article/001041.htm) ↩
6. MedlinePlus. Salivary gland tumors \[Internet\]. Bethesda (MD): National Library of Medicine; \[reviewed 2025 Oct 21; cited 2026 Oct 12\]. Available from: [medlineplus.gov](https://medlineplus.gov/ency/article/001040.htm) ↩
7. National Cancer Institute. Salivary gland cancer treatment (PDQ®)–patient version \[Internet\]. Bethesda (MD): National Cancer Institute; \[updated 2025 Mar 14; cited 2026 Oct 5\]. Available from: [cancer.gov](https://www.cancer.gov/types/head-and-neck/patient/adult/salivary-gland-treatment-pdq) ↩

[Read more in Treatment areas Salivary Gland Tumours: An Overview](https://www.aysenurmerichafiz.com/en/treatments/salivary-glands/salivary-gland-tumours/)

The outcomes of surgical and medical procedures vary from person to person; consult your doctor for an assessment specific to you.

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