Submasseteric abscess: A rare head and neck abscess

oleh: Ashutosh Rai, Ruchi Rajput, Rabindra K Khatua, Mangal Singh

Format: Article
Diterbitkan: Wolters Kluwer Medknow Publications 2011-01-01

Deskripsi

The objective of the article is to highlight and make people aware of a rare abscess which is often missed or misdiagnosed. As only a few cases have been reported, the authors feel that reporting such a case would help in proper management of the disease. We are presenting a 6.5-year-old male child with 3 weeks history of right facial swelling in the parotid region, with low-grade fever and trismus. Submasseteric abscess is a rare abscess which is often misdiagnosed as a parotid abscess or parotitis. Only a few cases have been reported. The cause is mostly dental in origin. Intravenous antibiotics often fail to alleviate the symptoms as this is a closed space and needs prompt drainage. Therefore, awareness of this complication of dental infections is vital for proper diagnosis and timely management.