Bilateral parotid swelling: a review.

seen in Columbia University’s Salivary Gland Center (SGC), patients with bilateral parotid swellings are not an unusual occurrence. Because these swellings are not localized to 1 gland, it must be assumed that systemic factors are usually in play. Numerous causes for bilateral parotid swellings have been identified (Table I). Consequently, the attainment of a definitive diagnosis requires a familiarity with the full range of possible etiologies for these swellings. Differential diagnostic skills must be implemented to achieve a precise diagnosis. Therefore, it is our purpose to review the various causes of bilateral parotid swelling. The list of bilateral parotid swellings that we have developed has evolved from the SGC’s experience with more than 6000 patients. Emphasis will be placed on the symptomatology and therapy of the various entities with a highlighting of their salient features. Attainment of an accurate diagnosis for the patient with bilateral parotid swelling represents the desired objective.