Bacterial complications of mumps or inflammation of adjacent tissues, such as parapharyngeal abscesses and local injuries with secondary infections, can lead to this disease when treatment is inadequate or improperly managed, allowing the inflammation to spread.

bubble_chart Clinical Manifestations

Because it is close to the retropharyngeal space, its symptoms are similar. The affected side of the pharynx and neck experience severe pain, which can radiate to the same-side ear. The pain affects swallowing and neck movement. However, there is no swelling in the pharynx, no displacement of the tonsils, and no trismus. The parotid area, specifically the mandibular angle, shows redness, swelling, hardness, and tenderness. If the inflammation is localized and an abscess has formed, the area becomes soft.

bubble_chart Diagnosis

Based on the medical history and examination findings, the diagnosis is not difficult, and puncture for pus aspiration can assist in the diagnosis.

bubble_chart Treatment Measures

Administer systemic antibiotics in sufficient doses to control the infection. Apply local heat, physical therapy, or anti-inflammatory ointments such as ichthammol ointment in the early stages to promote inflammation absorption or localization. Once an abscess forms, incision and drainage are required. The drainage incision should be made at the most prominent area of the parotid swelling, parallel to the facial nerve. If the abscess is extensive, the incision can be made just anterior to the auricle, extending vertically downward along the zygomatic process of the temporal bone, then curving posteriorly around the earlobe to the mastoid tip. This widely exposes the tightly adherent parotid fascia. Multiple incisions parallel to the branches of the facial nerve are then made in the fascia, and a hemostat is inserted through the incisions to gradually open and drain the abscess.