Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery Cases · Published 2026-06-19 · DOI 10.1016/j.omsc.2026.100466
Sho Sato, Shoko Ikai, Shota Saito
Stafne bone cavity (SBC) is a rare and typically asymptomatic concavity of the lingual mandibular cortex, most commonly located in the posterior region and usually associated with herniation of the submandibular gland. Anterior SBCs are exceptionally rare, and their occurrence as multiple lesions is even more uncommon. We report an extraordinarily rare case of three anterior mandibular SBCs associated with the sublingual gland, representing, to the best of our knowledge, a previously unreported presentation in the literature. A 46-year-old man was referred for evaluation of multiple radiolucencies in the anterior mandible detected on panoramic radiography. Computed tomography (CT) revealed three lingual cortical depressions without buccal cortical perforation. Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) demonstrated homogeneous T1- and T2-weighted signals isointense to the sublingual gland, with clear continuity between each lesion and the ipsilateral sublingual gland. Despite these findings, irregular margins in part of one lesion raised concern for a neoplastic process, prompting biopsy. Histopathological examination confirmed normal mucous acini-rich sublingual gland tissue with mild periductal lymphocytic infiltration and no evidence of neoplasia or autoimmune disease. The final diagnosis was multiple sublingual gland-related SBCs. This case highlights that anterior SBCs may present as multiple lesions mimicking cystic or neoplastic conditions, necessitating careful differentiation from malignancy and other diseases. MRI is critical for noninvasive diagnosis through the identification of glandular continuity, whereas biopsy remains warranted when imaging findings are inconclusive. Careful follow-up is recommended owing to the potential for morphological change and the rare possibility of tumor coexistence.
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Sato, S., Ikai, S., Saito, S. (2026). Multiple anterior mandibular Stafne bone cavities associated with the sublingual gland: A rare case report. Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery Cases. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.omsc.2026.100466