Sialosis
Pronunciation: sy-ah-LOH-sis
A non-inflammatory, non-neoplastic bilateral enlargement of the salivary glands, most commonly the parotids, associated with systemic conditions such as alcoholic liver disease, diabetes mellitus, or malnutrition.
Full Definition
Sialosis (also termed sialadenosis) is a metabolic or neurogenic disorder of salivary gland parenchyma resulting in hypertrophy of acinar cells, producing painless, diffuse, bilateral gland enlargement. The parotid glands are affected in the vast majority of cases. Underlying associations include chronic alcoholism, hepatic cirrhosis, diabetes mellitus, bulimia nervosa, and certain medications such as antihypertensives. Histologically there is no inflammation, distinguishing sialosis from sialadenitis. Editors must not confuse 'sialosis' with 'sialadenitis' (inflammatory), 'sialolithiasis' (obstructive/calculus-related), or 'sialadenoma'.
Usage
Usage note: Distinguish from sialadenitis (inflammatory) and sialolithiasis (calculus-related). 'Sialadenosis' is an acceptable synonym; standardise to one term per document. Do not use 'parotid hypertrophy' as a substitute without qualification.
In Context
- "The bilateral parotid enlargement in the patient with chronic alcohol dependency was attributed to sialosis rather than inflammatory sialadenitis." — Medical case report
- "The manuscript used 'sialosis' and 'sialadenosis' interchangeably; the editor standardised to 'sialosis' per the journal's house style." — Editorial correspondence