Reporting a Rare Case of Obstructive Sialadenitis of Submandibular Gland Due to a Nail-like Fish Bone Foreign Body

Introduction: Foreign body-associated sialadenitis of submandibular gland is not often and scarce within the literature. In this study, a report of a piece of Nail-like fish bone foreign body entering the Wharton’s duct causing an acute sialadenitis is presented.

Foreign bodies must be explored and all suspected areas must be examined carefully for avoiding secondary problems and surgeries in the future. The mechanism of foreign-body entry is generally traumatic, thus reports of a foreign body entering the salivary gland intraorally through Wharton’s or Stensen’s duct are not common and usual.

Foreign bodies in the oral and maxillofacial region are often experienced after trauma and dental treatment.

Case Report: We describe a case of obstructive sialadenitis in the submandibular gland caused by penetration of a fish bone in a 68-year-old man. He had swelling and spontaneous pain in the left submandibular region. The radiographic examination didn't show foreign body in the submandibular gland. Initially, we diagnosed obstructive sialadenitis in the left submandibular gland and the study suspect that salivary stone might be the cause of this swelling so compressing and milking of Wharton duct. The foreign body measured 1.3 cm *3 mm*2 mm and was a nail-like object. On pathological examination, the foreign body was found to be a fish bone (cartilage-like organic material).

Conclusion: This case demonstrated that precise and proper inspection and examination, milking and then paying attention to the secretion of salivary gland lead to proper diagnosis and after that suitable treatment, so this could reduce costly assessment and treatment, also lessen bewilderment of the patient. At the end, milking and pay attention to transparency (glassiness) and canescent of secretion of salivary gland are helpful for achievement of proper diagnosis.