Submandibular giant sialoliths-2 case reports and review of the literature.

Sialolithiasis is one of the most common diseases of the salivary gland. The submandibular gland and its duct appear to be the most susceptible. However, giant sialoliths have rarely been reported in the literature. Two case reports of giant sialoliths in the submandibular duct alone are presented. In both patients, a transoral removal of the stone was done under local anesthesia. The stones were 35 mm and 25 mm long, respectively. Follow-up showed asymptomatic and normal functioning glands. The etiology, pathogenesis and management of such giant sialoliths are discussed.It is interesting to note that both patients remained relatively asymptomatic in spite of such long-standing sialoliths. The glands also recovered normal function quickly following removal of stones, which is interesting as such longstanding stones usually produce irrereversible functional damage to the gland. A conservative approach to the gland will spare the patient the morbidity associated with gland removal.