In a clinical assessment of salivary glands, which condition is associated with changes in consistency and shape?

The condition associated with changes in consistency and shape of the salivary glands is pleomorphic adenoma. This benign tumor often affects the parotid gland and is characterized by its ability to present with variability in consistency, which can result from the mixture of different tissue types, including epithelial and mesenchymal components. As the tumor grows, it can cause distortion in the normal shape of the gland, leading to palpable irregularities upon examination. This change in shape and firmness can manifest as a hard mass in the affected area, making it a significant finding during a clinical assessment of salivary glands.

Other conditions mentioned do not primarily affect the salivary glands in the same manner. For example, epulis typically refers to an inflammatory hyperplasia of the gingiva rather than to the salivary glands themselves. Pulp necrosis involves the dental pulp and does not have a direct impact on the glands. Osteomyelitis is related to the infection of the bone rather than glandular tissue changes. Thus, pleomorphic adenoma stands out due to its direct influence on the structure and consistency of the salivary glands.