Sialosis of unknown origin

Abstract

Sialosis (sialadenosis) is defined as an asymptomatic, non-inflammatory, non-neoplastic parenchymal salivary gland disease accompanied by a persistent painless bilateral swelling of the salivary glands, most commonly involving the parotid glands. There is no sex predilection, and the peak age incidence is between 30 and 70 years of age. Sialosis occurs in three different groups of patients: alcoholics, diabetics and the malnourished. An autonomic neuropathy, seen as a demyelinating polyneuropathy, seems to be the common underlying basis for this seemingly disparate group of patients with sialosis.