Salivary Gland Pathology Flashcards
What can cause changes in salivary gland size?
Retention of secretions (Mucocele, sialolith)
Chronic sialadenitis (Inflammation)
Gland hyperplasia (Sialosis, Sjogren’s)
Salivary Neoplasms (Cancer)
How can salivary neoplasia present?
Localised swelling to gland
Neurological change if parotid
Usually:
- Painless
- Slow growing
- Well defined
- Asymmetrical
What % of salivary gland tumours are benign?
75%
Outline from most to least common, the glands which typically present with salivary gland tumours.
Most common: Parotid
Submandibular
Sublingual
Least common: Minor
Outline from highest risk of malignancy to lowest, the glands which typically present with salivary gland tumours.
Highest risk : Sublingual
Minor
Submandibular
Lowest risk: Parotid
What are the types of salivary gland tumour?
Epithelial neoplasms:
- Benign adenoma
- Malignant adenocarcinoma
Non-epithelial neoplasms
- Lymphoma
- Sarcoma
What methods are used to collect a sample of a salivary tumor?
Ultrasound guided fine needle aspirate (FNA)
Core biops
Incisional biopsy
What are some challenges when diagnosing tumors?
Different types in area
Variation within tumor
Common features between types
Not all tumors fit classification
Can use immunochemistry or molecular markers to help
What is the most common type of salivary gland tumor? Describe it.
Pleomorphic adenoma (75% of benign tumor cases)
Parotid most common site
Slow growth
Varied histology
Can be capsulated
What is the typical treatment for benign salivary tumors?
Wide local excision, but can reccur.
5% progress to carcinoma
What is Warthin’s Tumor?
An adenolymphoma
15% of benign tumors in salivary glands
Cystic with distrinct epithelium
Involves lymphoid tissue
Treated by excision
What are the main types of malignant salivary gland tumors?
Adenoid cystic carcinoma
Mucoepidermoid carcinoma
