Marked Stensen’s duct dilation caused by parotid papilla stenosis: A case report

Abstract

Stensen’s duct dilation may occur due to intraductal obstruction caused by sialoliths or polyps and very rarely due to other causes. Herein, we presented an extremely rare case of marked Stensen’s duct dilation due to parotid papilla stenosis treated with a conservative approach that resulted in a favorable outcome. A man aged 75 years presented with marked swelling of the right cheek and a painless mass lesion under the buccal mucosa detected by palpation. No saliva outflow was observed from the parotid papilla. Magnetic resonance imaging scans suggested Stensen’s duct dilation with saliva retention and parotid papilla stenosis. A puncture was performed through the parotid papilla, 3.0 ml of viscous saliva was aspirated, and the narrowed parotid papilla opening was enlarged with a probe. Massage was performed to enlarge the narrowed parotid papilla and encourage saliva outflow. After 8 months, the swelling of the cheeks disappeared, and a natural outflow of saliva was observed. Stensen’s duct dilation may be considered in the differential diagnosis of cheek swelling.