Salivary Gland Pathology

Salivary Gland Neoplasms Salivary gland tumors may involve major or minor glands, but the majority of cases are found within the parotid gland. While most types of tumors may be found in both sites, relative frequency can vary. Thus, approximately 80% of parotid tumors are benign. In minor salivary glands, however, the benign-malignant ratio is […]

Incidence Children and young adults Clinical Presentation Blue dome shaped, fluctuant swelling in the floor of the mouth. Located lateral to the midline (dermoid cyst are midline) Arises from superficial ducts of Rivini of sublingual gland. Location FOM, lateral to midline Plunging Ranula Spilled mucin dissects through the mylohyoid muscle and produces a swelling in

AKA Mucus Retention Cyst; Mucus Duct Cyst; Sialocyst Incidence usually occur in adults Location Intraoral cysts can occur at any minor gland site, but most frequently develop in the FOM, buccal mucosa, and lips. Cause Cystic dilation may develop secondary to ductal obstruction – represent salivary ductal ectasia rather than a true cyst. Clinical Presentation

Cause Locally destructive inflammatory condition of the salivary glands Result of ischemia of the salivary tissue that leads to local infarction Predisposing factors that may compromise blood supply to the involved gland include: traumatic injuries, dental infections, ill-fitting dentures, upper respiratory infections, adjacent tumors, previous surgery Incidence More common in adults, mean age 46 Male

AKA Mucus Extravasion Phenomenon, Mucus Escape Reaction Incidence Children and young adults Cause Spillage of mucin from ruptured salivary gland duct into surrounding tissue, often due to trauma Clinical Presentation not a true cyst because it lacks epithelial lining mucin below the mucosal surface imparts a bluish translucent hue Often fluctuant, but can feel firmer