Sialolithiasis is a condition that affects the salivary glands, which commonly occurs within the body of the submandibular gland or the Wharton duct. This condition is characterised by pain in the submandibular area after meals. Conservative therapies such as duct milking and palliative care can provide positive results for small, easily accessible calculi. This report describes the results of radiographic imaging of a 43-year-old patient with pain and swelling in the submandibular region. During the extraoral examination, a 1.5 cm wide diffuse swelling was present in the left submandibular region, and the left submandibular gland was tender and firm. In addition, a solitary, tender left submandibular lymph node was observed. Intraorally, the opening of the submandibular duct was erythematous and inflamed. The patient was advised for necessary investigations, including an orthopantomogram, cone beam CT, neck ultrasound, and left submandibular gland sialography. Ultrasonography was preferred over other imaging techniques due to its non-invasive nature and high accuracy, sensitivity, and specificity in diagnosing sialolithiasis. Timely management of sialolith is critical as delayed treatment can lead to serious consequences. A conclusive diagnosis of left submandibular sialolithiasis, accompanied by sialadenitis, was made based on clinical, radiographic, and ultrasound findings.
Keywords: salivary glands; sialolith; sialolithiasis; submandibular gland; ultrasonography.
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