title: Submasseteric abscess: a rare head and neck abscess.
abstract: 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.
authors.affiliation: Department of ENT and Head & Neck Surgery, MLN Medical College, Allahabad, Uttar Pradesh, India. raiashutosh11@yahoo.co.uk
authors.forename: Ashutosh
authors.initials: A
authors.lastname: Rai
authors.forename: Ruchi
authors.initials: R
authors.lastname: Rajput
authors.forename: Rabindra K
authors.initials: RK
authors.lastname: Khatua
authors.forename: Mangal
authors.initials: M
authors.lastname: Singh
mesh_terms: D000038:Abscess / Q000150:complications* / Q000000981:diagnostic imaging / Q000628:therapy; D000900:Anti-Bacterial Agents / Q000627:therapeutic use*; D002648:Child; D003131:Combined Modality Therapy; D003937:Diagnosis, Differential; D004322:Drainage; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D008336:Mandibular Diseases / Q000000981:diagnostic imaging / Q000209:etiology* / Q000473:pathology / Q000628:therapy; D008406:Masseter Muscle; D010305:Parotid Diseases / Q000175:diagnosis; D011859:Radiography; D014098:Toothache / Q000150:complications* / Q000000981:diagnostic imaging / Q000628:therapy; D016896:Treatment Outcome
chemical_list: D000900:Anti-Bacterial Agents