[Tuberculosis of the parotid glands]

41 cases of intraparotid lymph node tuberculosis and 51 cases of parotid tumors were studied. The authors suggest the following points for differential diagnosis: Clinically, intraparotid lymph node tuberculosis has a rapid onset, pustulation, regional lymphade nopathy, with a history of TB or contact with tuberculosis and low-grade fever. In most cases, the nerves function normal. Sialograms show no signs of branch ducts twist and irregular stricture and dilation. The diameter of exudative contrast mass could be more than 1 cm, but it does not exudate along the ducts. The posterior margin of ascending ramus does not show deformity. Calcification of cervical lymph nodes could be seen. If the tuberculosis mass is small, it is hard to be distinguished from tumor on sialograms. The clinical features are important in the diagnosis.