PAROTID DUCT CALCULUS - A CASE REPORT

Sialolithiasis is the formation of calculi in the ductal system of the salivary glands. The submandibular gland is most commonly affected, with 80 to 90 percentage of stones developing in Wharton's duct. Approximately 10 to 20 percent of calculi form in the parotid (Stensen's) duct and 1 percent in the sublingual duct. Men tend to develop calculi much more frequently than women. The exact etiology of sialolithiasis is uncertain. The inflammation and ductal injury in the parotid gland from chronic sialadenitis are believed to be the inciting processes for sialolithiasis. Imaging of the salivary glands for sialolithiasis may be accomplished with plain radiographs, conventional and digital sialography, USG, CT and MR Sialography. The anatomy of Stensen's duct makes the management of parotid stones more difficult. Surgical intervention for sialolithiasis depends on the anatomic location of the stone. Recent treatment alternatives for sialolithiasis are extracorporeal shock wave lithotripsy and the sialoendoscopy, which have been used with limited success. A case of Parotid sialolithiasis is presented here. Parotid duct calculi are relatively rare. A 45 year aged female presented with duct calculus near the hilum of right parotid gland. She was managed with superficial parotidectomy. This case of parotid duct calculus is being presented here for its rarity of occurrence.