Accessory Submandibular Salivary Gland Forming a "horseshoe" with the Main Submandibular Salivary Gland: A Unique Variation

Presence of accessory submandibular salivary gland (ASSG) is an extremely rare variation. Knowledge of its relations could be very useful to oral and maxillofacial surgeons, head and neck surgeons, and radiologists. During dissection classes, an ASSG was noted between the mylohyoid and hyoglossus muscles. The main submandibular salivary gland had superficial and deep parts. The deep part was narrow and measured about 5cm. The lingual nerve passed between the superficial and deep parts. The accessory submandibular gland was situated below and parallel to the deep part of SSG. It also measured 5cm. The ASSG had its own duct, which joined the duct of main gland. The ASSG and the deep part of the SSG were united at the lateral border of geniohyoid muscle to give a characteristic "horseshoe" appearance. The ASSG overlapped both lingual and hypoglossal nerves.