# Why does a salivary gland swell?

> Stones, infections such as mumps, tumours, cysts and autoimmune diseases such as Sjögren’s syndrome: the common causes of a swollen salivary gland.

Source: https://www.profaysenurmerichafiz.com/blog/why-does-a-salivary-gland-swell/  
Updated: 2026-09-30

Blog · [Salivary glands](https://www.profaysenurmerichafiz.com/blog/#salivary)

By: [Prof. Dr. Ayşenur Meriç Hafız](https://www.profaysenurmerichafiz.com/about/) · Translated from the original Turkish article.

Diagram Three common causes of a swollen salivary gland: a stone blocking the duct, infection and a tumour.

Many different problems stop saliva from draining, either by interfering with the function of the salivary glands or by blocking their ducts; the glands then swell.

Salivary glands swell for a number of common reasons.

Salivary gland stones are the first of these common causes. These stones are deposits of crystallised saliva. They can sometimes block the flow of saliva, which can cause the salivary glands to swell.

Infections caused by various viruses and bacteria can also make the salivary glands swell. The most familiar example of these infections is mumps.

Benign or malignant tumours can also cause swelling in the salivary gland.

Cysts, whether congenital or developing after an infection or trauma, can also cause swelling in the salivary glands.

Finally, autoimmune diseases such as Sjögren’s syndrome, which cause the body to attack itself, can also cause swelling in the salivary gland.

For this reason, the treatment of salivary gland swelling also varies depending on its cause. To identify the cause, an ear, nose and throat examination is essential, followed by tests directed at the suspected cause.

[Read more in Treatment areasSalivary Gland Tumours: An Overview](https://www.profaysenurmerichafiz.com/treatments/salivary-glands/salivary-gland-tumours/)

The outcomes of surgical and medical procedures vary from person to person; consult your doctor for an assessment specific to you.

## More on this topic

- [What is a salivary gland tumour? Causes and symptoms](https://www.profaysenurmerichafiz.com/blog/salivary-gland-tumour-causes-and-symptoms/)
- [Salivary gland tumours: diagnosis, treatment and the risks of surgery](https://www.profaysenurmerichafiz.com/blog/treatment-of-salivary-gland-tumours/)
- [Will I get facial paralysis after salivary gland surgery?](https://www.profaysenurmerichafiz.com/blog/facial-paralysis-after-salivary-gland-surgery/)

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