Dysphagia as the Only Symptom in Submandibular Gland Sialolithiasis: A Case Report

Abstract

Sialoliths are a common occurrence in salivary glands. Here, we report a case of a giant submandibular gland sialolith in a patient presented with dysphagia as the only symptom. The sialolith measured 24 mm in length and weighed 4.7 g. A preoperative computed tomography scan revealed displacement of the hyoid bone at rest position on the non-affected side. The right submandibular gland that contained the sialolith was extirpated under general anesthesia, following which, the symptoms of dysphagia were resolved. However, no improvement in displacement was noted postoperatively. Dysphagia may have occurred due to disturbances in hyoid bone movements caused by the large sialolith. The absence of any changes in the position of the displaced bone at rest after removal of the sialolith may be attributed to the fixation of the bone in the underlying tissues due to the long-term existence of the sialolith.