OBJECTIVETo evaluate the clinic characteristic and treatment of senile chronic submandibular sialadenitis.

METHODSThe clinical records of the patients over 50 years old whose final diagnosis was chronic submandibular sialadenitis were reviewed. The patients were diagnosed as neoplasm of submandibular gland before operation, There was no radiographic sign of sialolithiasis, no clinical and laboratory signs of Sjögren syndrome or related autoimmune disease.

RESULTSThirty-five patients were presented in masses in the submandibular space, which was not related to eating. Histopathologic study showed destruction of acinus, infiltration of inflammatory cell, and micro-calcification in the intercalated duct.

CONCLUSIONSThe diagnosis of senile chronic submandibular sialadenitis should be considered if a mass in the submandibular space occurs in the old patients and radiographic study shows no sialolithiasis and neoplasm. Resection of the submandibular gland is not necessary for these patients.