Which condition listed is a salivary gland disorder that can present like an obstruction in the GI tract?

• A. Megaesophagus
• B. Sialocele
• C. Esophagitis
• D. Esophageal Diverticula

Answer: (B)

A salivary gland issue can look like a digestive tract obstruction when a saliva-filled swelling forms in the mouth or neck and physically blocks the passage of food or triggers gagging and regurgitation. A sialocele is a collection of saliva resulting from rupture or blockage of a salivary duct. When it enlarges, it creates a soft mass in the floor of the mouth or neck that can interfere with swallowing, making signs resemble an upper GI obstruction.

Other conditions listed involve the esophagus itself rather than a salivary problem. Megaesophagus is a motor problem of the esophagus causing regurgitation of undigested food without a neck mass. Esophagitis is inflammation of the esophagus leading to swallowing discomfort, not a salivary collection. Esophageal diverticula are pouch-like projections in the esophagus that can trap food and cause regurgitation, but the origin is within the esophagus, not from a salivary gland issue.