Salivary Glands

Palpate the parotid (Figure 19) and submandibular (Figure 20) salivary glands using a bilateral technique. Normally these glands should not be palpable. Induration and pain could be signs of infection, blockage, immune system disorder or a neoplastic process. In addition, non-tender parotid enlargement may occur with alcoholism, diabetes, Sjögren’s syndrome, eating disorders, HIV infection and various malignant/non-malignant states involving the salivary glands.

Figure 19. Palpation of the parotid gland.

Figure 19. Palpation of the parotid gland.

Figure 20. Palpation of the submandibular glands.

Figure 20. Palpation of the submandibular glands.