Facial tumor as a presenting complaint in a patient with primary Sjögren's syndrome

Sjögren's syndrome is a chronic autoimmune disorder of the exocrine glands with associated lymphocytic infiltrates of the affected glands. Dryness of the mouth and eyes results from involvement of the salivary and lacrimal glands. Up to one-half of affected individuals also develop extraglandular involvement in organs distinct from the salivary and lacrimal glands, including the joints, skin, lung, gastrointestinal tract, nervous system, and kidneys. The disease also occurs in conjunction with other autoimmune disorders, such as systemic lupus erythematosus and rheumatoid arthritis. We report a case of a 76-year-old woman who presented to our department with a swelling on the left cheek. Investigations revealed Sjögren's syndrome as the underlying cause of the facial tumor.