Giant sialolith of submandibular gland duct: case report

Abstract

Introduction: Sialolithiasis is a disorder of the salivary gland that affects 12 out of 1,000 adult individuals. It is characterized by the deposition of minerals within its duct or parenchyma, with the submandibular gland being the most affected. Sialolites have varying sizes, when larger than 15 mm they are rare and reported as giant sialolites. Giant sialoliths within the glandular parenchyma or proximal portion of the duct are usually treated invasively by the extraoral route with excision of the associated gland. Case report: This study reports an unusual case of a patient diagnosed with giant salivary sialolith located in the proximal portion of a submandibular gland duct, asymptomatic, treated by intraoral surgical removal, minimizing potential risks and achieving treatment success. Final considerations: Even sialoliths located in deeper regions of the submandibular duct, intraoral access can be a viable and less risky alternative.