Introduction
Salivary gland stones, or sialolithiasis, is a frequent disorder marked
by the development of calculi within the salivary glands or their ducts
and are the most common disease of the salivary glands in middle-aged
patients[1]. These calcified deposits may stop saliva from flowing
normally, causing discomfort, edema, and recurring infections.
Sialolithiasis frequently affects the major salivary glands, including
the submandibular, parotid, and sublingual glands.
1 to 2 percent of the population is thought to have salivary gland
calculi. [2] Symptomatic sialolithiasis, on the other hand, is
0.45% common.[2]. The submandibular gland or Wharton’s duct has the
highest prevalence of them there (80% to 90%). [2].
Between 5% and 10% of sialoliths are found in the parotid gland/duct,
and the remaining 0% to 5% are found in the sublingual or minor
salivary glands.[2]
It is uncertain what causes calculi to form. However, it is evident that
the relative standstill of calcium-rich saliva is where calculi develop
[2]. It is known that salivary glands include tiny concretions
termed microliths in the intraglandular ducts. These micro obstructions
may be linked to the development of sialolith and chronic sialadenitis.
[3]
A sialolith is an apatite structure that contains calcium phosphate and
calcium carbonate condensations. Laminar layers of inorganic and organic
materials build up around the amorphous nucleus; each sialolith has a
unique composition. This debris may consist of foreign objects,
bacterium colonies, exfoliated ductal epithelial cells, mucous plugs,
and more.[4]