Salivary Gland Tumours

Question 1

What is the aetiology of salivary gland tumours.

Answer 1

80% involve the parotid gland.

Question 2

Where do the majority of salivary gland tumours of the parotid salivary gland occur.

Answer 2

80% in the superficial lobe.

Question 3

What are the main two pathologies of salivary gland tumours.

Answer 3

Benign.

Malignant.

Question 4

What are most benign salivary gland tumours.

Answer 4

80% are pleomorphic adenomas.

Question 5

What are most malignant salivary gland tumours,

Answer 5

Pleomorphioc adenoma.

Question 6

What are the symptoms of salivary gland tumours. (2)

Answer 6

Salivary gland lump.

Pain.

Question 7

What are the physical signs of malignant salivary gland tumours. (2)

Answer 7

Palpable swelling.

May have evidence of facial nerve (VII) involvement (as CNVII passes through the parotid).

Question 8

What percentage of cancers worldwide are salivary gland tumours responsible for.

Answer 8

3%

Question 9

What occurs to 15% of pleomorphic adenomas of the parotid gland.

Answer 9

Malignant transformation.

Question 10

What are the three main pairs of salivary glands.

Answer 10

Parotid gland.
Submandibular gland.
Sublingual gland.

Question 11

What is a classic sign of a parotid gland tumour.

Answer 11

Deflection of the earlobe outwards.

Question 12

When do pleomorphic adenomas present.

Answer 12

In middle age.

Question 13

How quickly do pleomorphic adenomas grow.

Answer 13

Slowly.

Question 14

What is Warthin’s tumour.

Answer 14

An adenolymphoma of the salivary gland.

Question 15

Who usually gets adenolymphomas.

Answer 15

Usually older men.