Intraoral salivary duct cyst – A rare case report with review of literature

ABSTRACT Rationale: Salivary duct cysts, while uncommon, pose significant diagnostic challenges due to their clinical and histopathological similarities with other oral cystic lesions. This case report details an uncommon instance of a salivary duct cyst presenting on the hard palate in an elder patient, highlighting the importance of distinguishing it from more common lesions like mucoceles. Patient Concerns: An 87-year-old male noticed a small, painless nodular growth on the hard palate, which was associated with bleeding at a later stage. Diagnosis and Investigations: Upon presentation, the patient had nodular growth on the hard palate. Initially, the growth was clinically mistaken for a mucocele. To obtain a definitive diagnosis, an excisional biopsy was performed. Histological analysis of the excised tissue confirmed the growth of a salivary duct cyst. Interventions: The primary therapeutic intervention was the surgical excision of the cyst. It was fully excised without complications. No changes in therapeutic intervention were necessary postsurgery, and the patient’s recovery was monitored. Lessons: This case report highlights the significance of accurately distinguishing between salivary ductal cysts and mucoceles due to their unique treatment approaches and potential outcomes. Salivary duct cysts, although uncommon, should be considered when diagnosing cystic lesions of the oral cavity, particularly in elderly patients. Surgical excision with histopathological analysis is essential for proper diagnosis and management. Recognizing the potential for malignancy in the cysts of salivary ducts emphasizes the importance of careful monitoring and appropriate clinical intervention.