Mikulicz syndrome

Overview

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. Although the disorder is almost always described as benign, it always occurs in association with another underlying disorder such as tuberculosis, leukemia, syphilis, Hodgkin’s disease, lymphosarcoma, Sjogren syndrome, or lupus (SLE). People who have Mikulicz syndrome are at heightened risk for developing lymphomas. Some people with Mikulicz syndrome may experience recurring fevers. The fever may be accompanied by dry eyes, diminished tear production (lacrimation), and inflammation of various parts of the eyes (uveitis). Lacrimal gland enlargement, parotid gland enlargement, dry mouth and dry eyes are the classic signs. 

Symptoms

The list of signs and symptoms mentioned in various sources for Mikulicz syndrome includes the 10 symptoms listed below:

  • Enlarged salivary glands
  • Enlarged tear-producing glands
  • Narrowed eye slits
  • Dry mouth
  • Absent tears
  • Reduced tears
  • Blurred vision
  • Hard lumps in tear gland
  • Hard lumps in salivary glands
  • Painless gland lumps

Note that Mikulicz syndrome symptoms usually refers to various symptoms known to a patient, but the phrase Mikulicz syndrome signs may refer to those signs only noticable by a doctor.

Causes

The exact cause of Mikulicz syndrome is not known. Some scientists believe that Mikulicz syndrome should be considered a form of Sjögren syndrome.

Diagnosis

The signs and symptom information on this page attempts to provide a list of some possible signs and symptoms of Mikulicz syndrome. This medical information about signs and symptoms for Mikulicz syndrome has been gathered from various sources, may not be fully accurate, and may not be the full list of Mikulicz syndrome signs or Mikulicz syndrome symptoms. Furthermore, signs and symptoms of Mikulicz syndrome may vary on an individual basis for each patient. Only your doctor can provide adequate diagnosis of any signs or symptoms and whether they are indeed Mikulicz syndrome symptoms.