An unrecognized foreign body in the parotid gland after trauma

Foreign bodies within the parotid gland retained after trauma are rarely observed, due in part to ease of detection. Few, however, particularly wooden foreign bodies, may not be identified clinically and radiologically.

A 44-year-old male was admitted complaining of recurrent swelling and pain in the left parotid gland with recent history of penetrating parotid trauma and foreign body removal. Ultrasonography revealed a high degree of parenchymal heterogeneity and an 18 x 5.7 mm linear mass shadow. Following superficial parotidectomy, an approximately 1 x 2 cm wooden fragment that was buried in the masseter muscle and surrounded by granulation tissue was palpated and extracted.

Any suspicion of a residual foreign body after penetrating parotid gland trauma can be clarified with a detailed radiological examination, which may provide further guidance for treatment. The treatment modality of parotid foreign bodies is early surgical exploration, and in delayed cases, superficial parotidectomy may be needed.