Related Experiment Video
Updated: Aug 2, 2025
07:25
Author Spotlight: A Focus on Standardized Salivary Gland Ultrasound Protocol in Connective Tissue Disease Research
Published on: October 13, 2023
2.5K
Ectopic parotid gland in the left cheek: a case report
Soheila Borji1, Pegah Moharrami Yeganeh2
1Department of Radiology, Vali-E-Asr Hospital, School of Medicine, Zanjan University of Medical Sciences, Zanjan, Iran.
Journal of Medical Case Reports
|April 13, 2023
Summary
This case report details a rare ectopic parotid gland found in a patient's cheek. Further research is needed to understand the causes of this salivary gland anomaly.
Area of Science:
- Anatomy
- Histology
- Embryology
Background:
- The parotid glands are major salivary glands responsible for serous saliva secretion.
- Normally situated anterior to the ear and mandible, they aid in mastication and swallowing.
Observation:
- A rare case of an ectopic left parotid gland is presented.
- A 45-year-old female presented with a painless left cheek mass.
- MRI confirmed a well-defined mass in the left buccal fat, consistent with parotid tissue.
Findings:
- The ectopic parotid gland was located within the left buccal fat pad.
- Imaging characteristics were similar to the contralateral normal parotid gland.
Implications:
- This case highlights the importance of considering ectopic salivary gland tissue in facial masses.
- Further studies are essential to elucidate the pathogenesis and etiology of ectopic parotid glands.
- Increased reporting of similar cases is crucial for advancing diagnostic and etiologic understanding.
Related Concept Videos
00:59The Parathyroid Glands
2.3K
The two pairs of parathyroid glands embedded within the posterior surface of the thyroid gland are restricted by a dense capsule around them. These glands comprise two distinct cell populations—parathyroid oxyphil and parathyroid principal cells- pivotal in calcium homeostasis.
Oxyphil cells, whose functions remain elusive, emerge during late puberty, adding a layer of complexity to the parathyroid gland's intricacies. In contrast, principal parathyroid cells undertake a vital role by...
Oxyphil cells, whose functions remain elusive, emerge during late puberty, adding a layer of complexity to the parathyroid gland's intricacies. In contrast, principal parathyroid cells undertake a vital role by...
2.3K
01:19Pericarditis II: Clinical Features and Diagnostic Tests
13
Pericarditis is distinguished by inflammation of the pericardium, the fibrous sac that encases the heart. It can be acute, lasting less than six weeks, or chronic, persisting for over three months. Understanding its clinical manifestations and diagnostic findings is crucial for timely and effective management.Clinical ManifestationsWhile pericarditis can be asymptomatic, it usually presents with characteristic symptoms such as:Chest Pain: The most characteristic symptom of pericarditis is chest...
13
01:23Salivary Glands and Saliva
787
The salivary glands, of which there are three pairs known as the parotid, submandibular, and sublingual glands, play a crucial role in maintaining oral health and initiating the digestive process. Positioned near the ears, beneath the masseter muscle, the parotid glands secrete saliva into the oral cavity through the parotid duct of Stensen. Meanwhile, the submandibular glands, located on the floor of the mouth, secrete saliva through channels named submandibular ducts. The sublingual glands,...
787