Pathology · single question
A patient presents with postprandial pain and swelling in the submandibular area that increases with meals and decreases between meals. What is the MOST likely diagnosis?
Show answer and explanation
Correct answer: B. Submandibular sialadenitis/sialolithiasis
Meal-related (postprandial) submandibular swelling = classic presentation of submandibular salivary obstruction/sialadenitis.
- A. Tonsillitis causes throat pain and difficulty swallowing — not specifically meal-related submandibular swelling.
- B. CORRECT. Submandibular sialadenitis/sialolithiasis presents with postprandial pain and swelling. Saliva production increases with eating, exacerbating obstruction — swelling and pain peak with meals and partially resolve between them.
- C. Salivary gland neoplasms present as painless, slow-growing masses without meal-related fluctuation.
- D. Mumps causes bilateral parotid swelling not fluctuating with meals, plus systemic fever — not meal-related submandibular swelling.