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Pathology · single question

A patient presents with bilateral parotid gland enlargement. Each of the following may cause parotid enlargement, EXCEPT:

  1. Enlargement of lymphoid tissue
  2. Adenoiditis
  3. Lack and loss of parenchyma
  4. Functional hypertrophy
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Correct answer: B. Adenoiditis

  • A. Intraparotid/lymphoid tissue enlargement can swell the gland — a possible cause.
  • B. Correct. Adenoiditis is inflammation of the adenoids (nasopharyngeal lymphoid tissue) — anatomically unrelated to the parotid, so it does not cause parotid enlargement.
  • C. Loss of parenchyma with fatty/compensatory change can alter gland size — listed as a possible contributor.
  • D. Functional hypertrophy (e.g., from chewing/eating habits, sialadenosis) can enlarge the parotid.

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