Chronic sclerosing sialadenitis (Küttner’s tumour) of the submandibular gland: a neoplastic mimic

Abstract

A 74-year-old man was referred for a plastic surgery consultation for two previous acute episodes of right submandibular sialadenitis. Physical examination revealed a lump in the right submandibular region, painful on palpation. The initial impression on clinical examination was of sialolithiasis. The sonography demonstrated a structural heterogeneity of the submandibular gland with a hypoechogenic and vascularised nodular formation (1.5×1.2 cm), suggestive of a mixed tumour of the right maxillary gland, requiring histological evaluation. He underwent a right submandibulectomy and an IgG4-positive chronic sclerosing sialadenitis was diagnosed. The patient’s condition evolved favourably, resulting in a full recovery. The clinical features and differential diagnosis of this entity are debated in light of relevant literature.