The gigantiform salivary calculus.

The size of salivary calculi may range from small particles to large concrements of several centimetres. One case of a gigantiform salivary calculus located in the Wharton duct of a 48-year-old man is presented. After surgical removal of the 3.6 cm long concrement, it was split into 4 parts. The different parts were used for routine histological studies, production of microradiographs of ground sections and for scanning electron microscopy. Decalcified sections disclosed a specimen made of a homogeneous central nucleus and a peripheral lamellation. The same morphological picture was seen on the microradiographs, where the nucleus showed dense mineralization, and the peripheral part alternating rings of high and low mineral content. Microorganisms, mostly thread-like organisms, were found throughout the entire calculus in specially stained sections. Scanning electron microscopy confirmed the histologic and microradiographic findings. The presence of microorganisms also in the nucleus of the calculus seems to be one important aetiological factor favouring the formation of this gigantiform concrement.