Diagnosis and management of an anterior lingual mandibular salivary gland defect - Case report

Objectives. To describe an anterior lingual mandibular salivary gland defect (ALMSGD). A review of the literature shows only twenty-five previously reported cases. Methods. A twenty-six-year-old female was examined for comprehensive dental treatment when a well-circumscribed, corticated 1.5 cm diameter radiolucent lesion was noted in the mandibular left cuspid region. The patient's previous panoramic radiographs demonstrated that the lesion was present nine years ago and had not changed in size during this interval. Results. The radiographic and clinical findings support the diagnosis of ALMSGD. Surgical intervention is not indicated due to the lack of symptoms and stability of the lesion. Conclusions. This case is unique because the patient is the youngest reported. It also supports the significance of a radiological diagnosis in the management of hard tissue lesions of the jaws and the importance of access to previous radiographs. Copyright (C) 1996 Elsevier Science Ltd for IADMFR.