Most often, the cause is mumps, a contagious paramyxovirus characterized by symptoms such as swelling of the salivary glands and a tender, swollen jaw. Other viral causes include influenza (the ...

The glands had a firm, rubbery consistence; they were neither tender nor inflamed, and the overlying skin was freely movable. Two patients had associated swelling of the submaxillary salivary glands.