Mucosal Cyst Developing after Submandibular Sialolithiasis Surgery

Sialolithiasis refers to calculi forming where saliva is produced, with over 90% occuring in the submandibular gland. When saliva stagnates due to sialolithiasis, swelling develops and eating becomes painful. Symptoms are severe in the acute stage, but an asymptomatic state may persist. A 19-year-old woman with right submandibular sialolithiasis detected while she was in primary school developed an abscess that was not ameliorated in conservative treatment. An intraoral attempt to remove calculi released only pus. Despite temporary improvement, Wharton's duct was obstructed 2 months postoperatively, with impaired saliva outflow causing acute submandibular swelling. Computed tomography (CT) showed a huge mucosal cyst in the oral floor. The mandibular gland and cyst were removed by external incision.