Visible and
palpable enlarged major salivary glands
occur secondary to salivary infections and obstructions (e.g., bacterial parotitis,
mumps, Sjögren’s syndrome). A
swollen parotid gland can displace the
earlobe and extend inferiorly over the
angle of the mandible, whereas an
enlarged submandibular gland is palpated
medial to the posterior-inferior border
of the mandible.