Unusual parotid gland foreign body

Abstract

A foreign body in the parotid gland whether from the oral cavity or through the skin is extremely uncommon. A case is described of the tip of a golden-colored pencil accidentally piercing the deep lobe after a fall. Emergency surgical removal was performed, and the diagnosis of the foreign body was quite easy. In contrast, determination of the location in the gland had to be done by a microscope, with fluoroscopy during the operation and was quite difficult. During removal, great attention was paid to avoiding facial nerve injury. This was done by identifying the facial trunk at the pointer using a microscope. The dissolved material including copper and zinc metal powder, paste, and clay, was found in the deep lobe associated with the surrounding abscess. Although these materials are assumed to be harmless to human tissues, the complete and immediate removal is to prevent salivary fistule resulting from inflammation.