Mikulicz Syndrome

Mikulicz syndrome is a chronic condition characterized by the abnormal enlargement of glands in the head and neck, including those near the ears (parotids) and those around the eyes (lacrimal) and mouth (salivary). The tonsils and other glands in the soft tissue of the face and neck may also be involved.

Causes of Mikulicz Syndrome #

• The exact cause of Mikulicz syndrome is not known, although it is suspected to be an autoimmune disorder.

• Autoimmune disorders are caused when the body’s natural defenses against foreign or invading organisms (e.g., antibodies) begin to attack healthy tissue for unknown reasons.

• The symptoms of Mikulicz syndrome may occur due to the excessive accumulation of certain white blood cells (lymphocytes) into many glands of the face, mouth, and/or neck.

Symptoms of Mikulicz Syndrome #

• Mikulicz syndrome is characterized by the sudden onset of extreme dryness in the mouth (xerostomia) that may lead to difficulty swallowing and tooth decay.

• Other symptoms include enlarged tear glands (lacrimal glands), leading to absent or decreased tears; enlarged glands in the neck (parotid glands); hard, painless swellings (tumefactions) of the saliva glands (salivary glands) of the mouth and those near the ears (parotid).

• Glands near the jaw (submaxillary) may also become swollen.

• Symptoms may persist for long periods of time or come and go with frequent recurrences.

• The symptoms of Mikulicz syndrome are very similar to those of Sjögren syndrome and some researchers suspect that they may be the same disorder.

Diagnosis of Mikulicz Syndrome #

Biopsy of one of the swollen glands is key to the diagnosis of Mikulicz syndrome. An ultrasound examination of the area may help to rule out other reasons for gland swelling.

Treatment of Mikulicz Syndrome #

• Treatment of this disorder is symptomatic.

• Medical therapies are more productively directed toward the treatment of any underlying disease.

• Artificial tears may be used to maintain moisture in the eyes, and artificial saliva may be used to treat oral symptoms.

• Some individuals with Mikulicz syndrome may be instructed to follow a soft moist diet.

• This may help to reduce the pain caused by chewing and swallowing. Other treatment is symptomatic and supportive.