Aplasia of the submandibular gland. A case report.

A 34-year-old Japanese male had pain radiating from his right mandibular body to the temporal region. Computerized tomography was undertaken to examine his cerebral status. It eventually revealed the absence of the right submandibular gland, although the left submandibular gland was present. The corresponding space was occupied by a lymph node. Furthermore, sialography showed the existence of Wharton's duct only. The literature on this rare occurrence is reviewed and the significance to the patient discussed.