A case report of a sialolith proving difficult to locate, with a sudden urgency to rule out a mucoepidermoid carcinoma

Abstract

Sialoliths are calcified masses that arise in salivary glands and ducts, which are usually composed of calcium and other mineral salts. Clinical presentation findings can include pain, swelling (usually associated with eating), obstruction of the salivary duct and sialadenitis. Approximately 80% of all sialoliths reported occur in the submandibular gland, whereas sublingual glands are rarely affected. 1 Giant sialoliths are defined as being greater than 15 mm in any one dimension and more than 1 g in weight. 2 Sialoliths arising extraductally are rarely reported, particularly when large in size. Here we report a large calcified mass presenting in the submandibular region which proved difficult to locate with imaging. CASE R EPORTA 71-year-old male was referred by his general dental practitioner to the Oral Surgery department regarding a 6-month history of a firm painful swelling in the left floor of mouth.