Which gland is enlarged in dacryoadenitis?

• A. Lacrimal gland
• B. Parotid gland
• C. Thyroid gland
• D. Submandibular gland

Answer: (A)

Dacryoadenitis involves inflammation of the tear-producing lacrimal gland, which sits in the superolateral aspect of the orbit. When this gland is inflamed, it enlarges, giving a palpable fullness and often tenderness in the outer upper eyelid near the lateral canthus. The other glands listed are in different locations and serve different organs (the parotid gland is a major salivary gland near the jawline, the thyroid gland is in the neck, and the submandibular glands lie under the floor of the mouth). Therefore, the swelling in dacryoadenitis is specifically due to enlargement of the lacrimal gland.