In the case of an anterior lesion swollen near the earlobe with inflamed Stenson's duct, what should you check first?

In situations involving a swollen anterior lesion near the earlobe and an inflamed Stenson's duct, the most pertinent action is to evaluate whether stimulating the parotid gland produces any exudate. This is crucial because it helps assess the patency of Stenson’s duct and determine if there is a blockage or infection in the parotid gland. If exudate is present, it can indicate a salivary gland infection such as parotitis, whereas absence of exudate could suggest a possible obstruction or more serious issue requiring further investigation.

Understanding the specific anatomy and function of the parotid gland and its associated duct is essential in diagnosing conditions like sialolithiasis or infectious parotitis. Directly stimulating the parotid gland provides immediate insight into the gland's functionality and helps guide further management.

Palpating for tenderness, checking for fever, or ordering an X-ray may provide useful information, but they do not directly address the functional assessment of the salivary drainage that is critical in this scenario.