Head and Neck Imaging

Wharton's duct, pathology

The most common pathology of Wharton's duct is sialolithiasis . Obstruction of the duct may cause retro-obstructive sialadenitis ; this is sometimes also seen with squamous cell carcinoma, head and neck in the floor of the mouth, compressing or invading Wharton's duct (Fig. 1).

RH

To view high resolution images,
please register first.

Click  here to register.

Already registered? Enter your e-mail in the window below.
Re-register

Fig. 01a

Axial gadolinium-enhanced spin-echo image. Small tumoral lesion in the anterior floor of the mouth (arrowheads) causes obstruction and dilatation of Wharton's duct (white arrow). Retro-obstructive sialadenitis of submandibular gland (black arrow); this was clinically misinterpreted as metastatic lymphadenopathy. Some dilated intraglandular salivary ducts are visible.
Wharton's duct, pathology, Fig. 01a