Abscess formation following accidental ingestion of fish bone with migration to the submandibular gland: a case report

Deep neck space infection is associated with significant morbidity and mortality, with the submandibular space being a common site of infection. Causes include odontogenic infections, submandibular sialadenitis, lymphadenitis, trauma, or surgery. This case report describes an uncommon cause of fish bone migration to the submandibular gland with consequent abscess formation. Apart from fish bones, a variety of foreign bodies in salivary glands has been described in previous case reports, including toothbrush bristles, slivers of fingernails, wood splinters, hairs or blades of grass.1