Anterior lingual mandibular salivary gland defect--a dilemma in diagnosis

Anterior lingual mandibular salivary gland defects are very rare. These lesions present as non-definitive bony radiolucencies. There are several other radiolucent entities which present in the anterior mandible with greater frequency and this creates a diagnostic dilemma for the practitioner. The ultimate and proper treatment of non-treatment depends on a correct diagnosis of these lesions. The correctness of the diagnosis and avoidance of unnecessary traumatic procedures may be aided by more sophisticated radiographic studies, such as a CAT scan and/or Magnetic Resonance Imaging. A case of a very unusual appearing anterior lingual mandibular salivary gland defect is presented and the diagnosis, management and recommendation for more complex radiographic studies are discussed.