Painful salivary glands are MOST likely indicative of which condition?

Painful salivary glands are most indicative of mumps, which is a viral infectious disease characterized by the inflammation of the salivary glands, particularly the parotids. Mumps can lead to significant swelling, tenderness, and discomfort in these glands, which is a hallmark symptom of the illness.

The inflammation occurs as a result of the body's immune response to the mumps virus, and it can cause the glands to become visibly swollen and painful. While there are other conditions affecting salivary glands, the nature of pain and swelling associated with viral infections like mumps is distinct.

Other conditions mentioned, such as a mucocele, typically do not present with widespread pain; instead, they might cause localized discomfort due to cystic swelling. Sjögren's syndrome is an autoimmune disorder that primarily leads to dry mouth and eyes rather than acute painful inflammation. Salivary gland stones can cause pain, particularly if there is an obstruction, but they are often associated with episodic pain rather than the more generalized swelling and soreness characteristic of mumps. Therefore, the symptoms and presentation of inflammation in mumps align closely with being the most likely cause of painful salivary glands.