Alcoholic (beer) sialosis

Sialosis, rather than sialadenosis, has been recommended by the World Health Organization as the correct diagnostic term for a unique form of salivary gland swelling characterized by persistent painless bilateral parotid swellings with the occasional involvement of the submandibular salivary gland. Sialosis is known to occur in a variety of conditions including alcoholism, diabetes, malnutrition, and even idiopathically. However, it is most frequently observed in relation to high alcohol intake. The parotid swellings are soft in tone, noninflammatory, non-neoplastic, and usually symmetrical. There is no sex predilection, and its highest incidence occurs after the age of 30. The swellings fill the depression in the auricular area between the mandibular ramus and the superior segment of the sternocleidomastoid muscle. Although sialosis is generally associated with distilled liquor drinkers, beer may be causative as well. Because a thorough literature review did not reveal the occurrence of sialosis in beer drinkers, the authors wish to report such a case.