Giant submandibular gland mucocele as a complication of previous sialolith removal

Abstract

Mucoceles are common lesions of minor salivary glands. Mucoceles of the major salivary glands including the submandibular gland are extremely rare, but should be considered in the differential diagnosis of submandibular space swellings. We present a rare case of a 25-year old man, who was diagnosed with a submandibular gland mucocele and had a history of sialolithiasis and intraductal sialolith excision, as well as numerous evacuating punctures and needle aspirations of the mass. The cyst was surgically excised and the specimen included the sublingual gland, in order to prevent recurrence. No postoperative complications were noted.