What is described as a large unilateral mass near the ear?

What is described as a large unilateral mass near the ear?

• A. Pleomorphic adenoma
• B. Salivary stone
• C. Viral parotitis
• D. Abscess

Answer: (A)

Pleomorphic adenoma is the most common benign tumor of the salivary glands, particularly the parotid gland, which is located near the ear. This condition typically presents as a large unilateral mass that is painless and slow-growing. These tumors can vary in size and may lead to a noticeable swelling in the region. The mass arises because pleomorphic adenomas are made up of both epithelial and mesenchymal (stromal) components, which can create a distinct lump that can be palpable in the area near the ear. Due to their benign nature, they do not usually present with significant systemic symptoms, making them appear as isolated masses. In contrast, a salivary stone typically causes localized pain and swelling, particularly during meals due to duct obstruction rather than a large, painless mass. Viral parotitis, commonly known as mumps, usually presents with bilateral swelling of the parotid glands and is associated with systemic symptoms like fever and tenderness. An abscess would usually present with signs of infection, such as redness, warmth, and increased pain, along with potential systemic symptoms like fever, which are not characteristic of a pleomorphic adenoma. Thus, the description of a large, unilateral mass near the ear aligns well with the

Pleomorphic adenoma is the most common benign tumor of the salivary glands, particularly the parotid gland, which is located near the ear. This condition typically presents as a large unilateral mass that is painless and slow-growing. These tumors can vary in size and may lead to a noticeable swelling in the region.

The mass arises because pleomorphic adenomas are made up of both epithelial and mesenchymal (stromal) components, which can create a distinct lump that can be palpable in the area near the ear. Due to their benign nature, they do not usually present with significant systemic symptoms, making them appear as isolated masses.

In contrast, a salivary stone typically causes localized pain and swelling, particularly during meals due to duct obstruction rather than a large, painless mass. Viral parotitis, commonly known as mumps, usually presents with bilateral swelling of the parotid glands and is associated with systemic symptoms like fever and tenderness. An abscess would usually present with signs of infection, such as redness, warmth, and increased pain, along with potential systemic symptoms like fever, which are not characteristic of a pleomorphic adenoma.

Thus, the description of a large, unilateral mass near the ear aligns well with the