Detection of a metallic foreign body in the Wharton duct: A case report

RATIONALE: Foreign bodies are rarely found in the submandibular gland and the Wharton duct, due to their physiological and anatomical features. PATIENT CONCERNS: A 23-year-old man was referred to Foshan Stomatology Hospital in July 2016, with pain and intermittent swelling in the right submandibular area. DIAGNOSES: Physical examination revealed enlarged, indurated, and painful swelling in the right submandibular area, with a normal oral cavity. No abscess or fistula was detected. Radiography and computed tomography (CT) indicated a 1.7 cm radiopaque mass in the Wharton duct, close to the submandibular gland. INTERVENTIONS: Submandibular sialadenectomy was performed under general anesthesia. Upon exploration of the fully dissected submandibular gland, a 2.0 cm long barb-like metallic body was found in the Wharton duct. OUTCOMES: The patient had an uneventful recovery during a 6-months follow-up. LESSONS: Foreign bodies in the Wharton's duct can be detected by imaging techniques, such as radiography and CT, and successfully treated by submandibular sialadenectomy.