What does the swelling of a lesion near Stenson's duct suggest?

Swelling of a lesion near Stenson's duct, which is the duct that drains saliva from the parotid gland into the oral cavity, primarily suggests possible obstruction or infection. This area is particularly susceptible to conditions like sialolithiasis, which is the formation of salivary stones that can obstruct the flow of saliva, leading to swelling, pain, and potential infection of the duct or gland.

When the duct is obstructed, saliva builds up behind the obstruction, creating a swollen appearance at the site. Furthermore, if bacteria enter the stagnant saliva or if the duct becomes inflamed due to the obstruction, an infection can occur, manifesting as redness, tenderness, and further swelling. This makes the identification of swelling in this region indicative of an underlying issue related to salivary gland function, particularly involving obstruction or infection.

While the other choices may relate to different clinical scenarios, they do not directly pertain to the specific context of swelling near Stenson's duct, which is primarily influenced by the functioning and potential issues of the salivary glands in that area.