Sialolithiasis of minor salivary glands: a clinical and histopathological study

Sialolithiasis is one of the most common disorders of particular major salivary glands. It is caused by sialolith within the ducts or parenchyma of particularly major salivary glands. Although sialolithasis is not uncommon, it often is clinically misdiagnosed when minor salivary glands are affected. This article describes the clinical and microscopic findings of nine cases of sialolithiasis of minor salivary glands. The lesions frequently appeared as single and asymptomatic nodules in middle-aged patients. Only three sites were affected: four lesions were found in the upper lip, three in the buccal mucosa, and two in the lower lip. The most common clinical hypotheses for diagnosis were mucocele, sialoadenitis, and benign salivary gland tumor. Sialolithiasis of minor salivary glands was misdiagnosed frequently. It should be considered as a possible diagnosis when swelling of the oral tissues is observed.     

The oral mucosa of the MRL/I mouse: a synoptic picture of systemic autoimmune disorders

The oral manifestations of systemic autoimmunity were investigated in a kinetic study of the MRL/1 mouse. Lesions in the epithelium, connective tissue and minor salivary glands were characterized in serial sections of the soft palate and the cheeks with respect to 1) the type of inflammatory cells present, 2) the presence and type of vasculitis, 3) the presence of necrosis, 4) the occurrence of deposits. By the age of 16 wk, 100% of our animals had developed mild to severe lesions in at least one compartment of the mucosa. Between 16 and 32 wk of age, pathologic manifestations affected the epithelial and subepithelial tissues, the striated muscle tissue, the vascular system and, much less frequently, the minor salivary gland network.     

Follicular dendritic cells confirm lymphoid organization in the minor salivary glands of primary Sjögren’s syndrome

Background: Sjögren’s syndrome (SS) is an autoimmune chronic inflammatory disorder affecting the salivary and lacrimal glands. The aim of this study was to explore immunophenotypic features of chronic inflammatory reactions in the minor salivary glands in patients with primary SS (pSS). Methods: Formalin‐fixed, paraffin‐embedded labial minor salivary gland tissue sections from randomly selected patients with pSS (n = 60) were investigated for the expression of CD21, CD23, CD35 and IgD by immunohistochemistry. Results: Based on the distribution and staining pattern of CD21, CD23, CD35 and IgD in lymphoid aggregates, several stages of chronic inflammatory reactions were observed. In 12/60 (20%) patients, lymphoid infiltrates with germinal centre (GC)‐like features such as extensive networks of CD21‐, CD23‐ and CD35‐positive cells were observed in the minor salivary gland tissue. Smaller networks and /or focal infiltrates with scattered CD21⁺, CD23⁺ and CD35⁺ cells were observed in the remaining 48/60 (80 %) cases. When dividing patients according to the presence (GC+) or the absence (GC?) of GC in the minor salivary glands, the mean focus score was significantly higher in the GC+ patients (P < 0.05). Double staining of the minor salivary glands revealed focal infiltrates with follicular dentritic cell networks and B cells resembling normal GCs in tonsillar tissue. Conclusion: A particular cellular profile was demonstrated in a sub‐group of patients with pSS and could be linked to serological aberrations. These findings warrant further prospective studies.     

Salivary gland neoplasms in Maiduguri, north-eastern Nigeria

OBJECTIVE: To document the pattern of salivary gland neoplasia in Maiduguri, Nigeria. DESIGN AND SETTING: A retrospective clinical and histopathological review (January 1987-December 2002) of cases diagnosed at a tertiary care hospital. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Information on demographics, diagnosis and cancer management in the hospital were retrieved from biopsy reports and case notes of patients. RESULTS: The palatal (71.9%) and parotid (78.3%) glands were the most common minor and major salivary glands involved, with a benign-malignant ratio of 1:1 and 1.4:1, respectively. Pleomorphic adenoma (44.3%) was the most common salivary gland neoplasm recorded. It was commonly reported in the third decade (mean 30.4 years) and among males (M:F, 1.4:1). Ectopic lesions (17.1%) were reported in the neck, nose and cervical nodes. Mucoepidermoid carcinoma (10.1%) was the most common salivary gland malignancy, occurring in the second and sixth decades; of equal gender distribution and predominantly in the palate (50%). The squamous cell carcinoma (10.9%) and adenoidcystic carcinoma (21.9%) were the most common malignancies in the major and minor glands respectively. There was a higher prevalence of malignancies of the parotid than previously reported for northern Nigeria (P = 0.036). CONCLUSION: Pleomorphic adenoma and mucoepidermoid carcinoma were the most commonly reported benign and malignant neoplasia in this series. The prevalence of mucoepidermoid carcinoma contrasts with reported findings in other African studies.     

Infiltrating mononuclear cells in salivary glands and kidneys in autoimmune MRL/Mp-lpr/lpr mice express IL-2 receptor and produce interferon-γ

The salivary gland inflammatory lesions and renal vasculitic lesions of autoimmune MRL/lpr mice were analyzed for the presence of activated lymphocytes. Immunohistologic analysis revealed that the majority of lymphocyte-like cells in salivary glands and kidneys expressed CD4 antigen (greater than 50%). Lesser numbers of interleukin-2 receptor (IL-2R) expressing and interferon-gamma (IFN-gamma)-producing cells were present (1-5%). CD4+, IL-2R+, and IFN-gamma + mononuclear cells were found in small inflammatory foci. In larger inflammatory foci the IFN-gamma-producing cells were detected in the periphery in comparable numbers as the IL-2R expressing cells although with different location. Large numbers of cells in the inflammatory foci also expressed MHC Class II molecules (greater than 50%). The expression of IL-2R and production of IFN-gamma in the tissue lesions indicate presence of activated inflammatory T cells. Production of IFN-gamma by the infiltrating mononuclear cells may induce Class II antigens on epithelial cells and stimulate further T cell migration into the inflammatory site.     

Clear cell carcinoma of the mandibular gingiva 'minor salivary gland': a case report with immunohistochemical study

Clear cell carcinoma is a rare neoplasm that arises in salivary glands. They are more frequent in the intraoral minor salivary glands than the major salivary glands. The present case involved a 44-year-old Japanese man with a slight reddish swelling on the mandibular gingiva. Initial clinical diagnosis was squamous cell carcinoma based on this erythroplakial lesion. All tumor cells displayed the expected pattern of immunoreactivity, with positive results for pancytokeratin and high molecular weight cytokeratin. This report examined the immunohistochemical characteristics of clear cell carcinoma, minor salivary gland, and reviewed the existing literature.     

Polymorphous low-grade adenocarcinoma of the parotid gland. Case report and review of the literature

Polymorphous low-grade adenocarcinoma (PLGA) is difficult to diagnose both clinically and histologically due to its indolent presentation, and because of its morphological diversity that includes several microscopic patterns. The aggressive biologic behavior seen in minor salivary glands as compared to major glands is apparently associated histologically to a predominance of the papillary pattern in the former. Biologic behavior of PLGA in the major salivary glands is uncertain, as some cases have developed recurrences and metastases independently of the presence of a papillary pattern. A case of PLGA originated de novo in parotid gland is presented a 60 year-old male, treatment was surgically excised through superficial parotidectomy and to postoperative radiotherapy (46 Gy). Forty-eight months later the patient is alive with no signs of recurrence, as well as a review of the literature, with particular emphasis in its differential diagnosis and biological behavior.     

Characterization of peripheral blood and salivary gland lymphocytes in secondary Sj?gren's syndrome.

Secondary Sj?gren's syndrome (SS) is defined as a condition of patients with sicca symptoms in association with a connective tissue disease such as rheumatoid arthritis. This study was designed to investigate the peripheral blood and affected minor salivary gland (SG) tissue lymphocytes with monoclonal antibodies in patients with secondary SS having rheumatoid arthritis. Minor SG lymphocytes of the patients and normals were determined in the fresh-frozen sections of the minor SG biopsy samples using monoclonal antibodies with immunoperoxidase technique. Peripheral blood of secondary SS patients revealed significant reduction in CD3+ and CD8+ cells. CD4/CD8 radio, HLA-DR+ cells, and B-cells were unchanged. SG biopsies showed varying degrees of lymphocytic infiltration with predominance of CD3+CD4+ cells located at the periductal areas. CD8+ cells were found to be in low numbers within the infiltrates. IgG- and IgA-producing plasma cells were both numerous in the biopsy samples. Our findings suggest that there is an alteration of lymphocyte subpopulations at the local site of inflammation in the salivary glands without, however, a corresponding alteration in the peripheral blood.     

1878例涎腺肿瘤WHO组织病理学新分类的统计分析

目的 根据ＷＨＯ１９９０年涎腺肿瘤组织病理学新分类标准对１８７８例涎腺肿瘤及肿瘤样疾病进行重新分类,并重点对涎腺上皮性肿瘤的临床发病情况进行统计分析。方法 统计描述。结果 １８７８例涎腺肿瘤以诞腺上皮性肿瘤为主,为１４３１例,占７６．２０％,其中腺瘤发病居首位,其次是涎腺癌,涎腺肿瘤样疾病居第三位;多形性腺瘤是涎腺肿瘤中最常见者,恶性多形性腺瘤为最常见的涎腺癌,特别注意了腺癌亚分类中的几种少见类型     

Metastatic malignancy in the submandibular gland.

Metastatic disease in the major salivary glands has been observed and reported in the literature. Often the site of origin of the primary tumor is the skin or mucosal lining of the head and neck structures, and the primary tumors most commonly are melanomas or squamous-cell carcinomas. The most frequently involved salivary gland is the parotid. The submandibular and sublingual glands are rarely involved by mestastatic disease. Secondary lesions arising from distant primary tumors may occasionally involve the parotid gland, but they are extremely rare in the other major salivary glands. The second reported case of metastatic carcinoma in the submandibular gland is presented here. Our case and the previously reported case are similar in that both primary tumors originated in the breast. The clinical and morphologic features are reviewed.     

Intraosseous pleomorphic adenoma of the mandible: report of a case and review of the literature

Salivary gland tumors constitute approximately 3% of all head and neck tumors. The most common neoplasm involving both major and minor salivary glands is pleomorphic adenoma. Salivary gland tumors are also known to develop within jawbones probably arising from ectopic salivary tissue. Pleomorphic adenomas arising within the jaws as primary central lesions are extremely rare with only a few cases reported. Clinically and radiographically these may resemble lesions of odontogenic origin. We present a rare case of intraosseous pleomorphic adenoma of the mandible mimicking a lateral periodontal cyst along with an extensive review of literature.     

Fine-needle aspiration cytology: a reliable tool in the diagnosis of salivary gland lesions

J Oral Pathol Med (2012) 41 : 106–112 Background: Fine‐needle aspiration cytology (FNAC) is used as the main initial diagnostic investigation for lumps in the head and neck region. Major salivary glands and some minor salivary glands are easily accessible; therefore, they are optimal targets for FNAC. The aim of this study was to discuss the advantages and pitfalls of FNAC as compared to histopathology in the salivary gland lesions. Material and methods: A total of 127 FNAC were carried out on salivary gland lesions from January 2006 to December 2010 – a 5‐year period. Histopathological follow‐up data were obtained in 56 cases. The study was conducted to examine the sensitivity, specificity, and accuracy of FNAC for salivary gland swellings in comparison with histopathology. Results: The male‐to‐female ratio was 2.4:1. Parotid gland was involved in 51.1%, submandibular gland in 37%, sublingual gland in 4.7%, and minor salivary glands in 7% of patients. There were 55.9% cases of non‐neoplastic lesions and 44.1% cases of neoplastic lesions on biopsy. Sensitivity, specificity, positive predictive value, and negative predictive value of FNAC for malignant neoplastic lesions were 84.61%, 86.48%, 68.75%, and 94.11%, respectively, whereas for benign neoplastic lesions, they were 84.61%, 91.66%, 91.6%, and 85%, respectively. Conclusion: Fine‐needle aspiration cytology is found to be a good sensitive and specific technique for the diagnosis of most of the salivary gland lesions. FNAC should be adopted as an initial investigation for all salivary gland swellings in conjunction with other investigations where appropriate.     

TENASCIN AND FIBRONECTIN IN PLEOMORPHIC ADENOMA OF THE SALIVARY GLAND

Objectives:

To analyze the expression and distribution pattern of extracellular matrix components in pleomorphic adenomas of the major and minor salivary glands and to compare the morphological findings of these tumors with the immunohistochemical expression, considering the different types of stroma predominating in each case.

Methods and Results:

The expression of tenascin (TN) and fibronectin (FN) was analyzed in 23 cases of pleomorphic adenomas, 11 major and 12 minor salivary gland tumors, by the streptavidin-biotin method using anti-tenascin and anti-fibronectin antibodies. In addition, the immunohistochemical results were correlated with the morphological findings of the lesions. All cases analyzed were immunoreactive for the antibodies used. Fibronectin showed strong labeling in fibrous and chondroid stroma, while labeling was weak in hyaline and myxoid stroma. Tenascin expression was more intense in fibrous and chondroid stroma and moderate in hyaline and myxoid stroma.

Conclusions:

No difference in the expression of these proteins was observed between major and minor salivary gland tumors.     

Salivary duct carcinoma in major and minor salivary glands. A clinicopathological analysis of four cases

Salivary duct carcinomas are an uncommon but distinct group of highly malignant salivary gland tumours. We report the clinical course, pathological findings and surgical treatment of this tumour in 4 patients. In one patient an intraductal tumour developed in a minor salivary gland, while in the other three patients, a major salivary gland was involved by an infiltrating salivary duct carcinoma. We point out the highly aggressive biological behaviour of the tumour when occurring in the major salivary glands, in contrast to the benign course of the intraductal carcinoma in the minor salivary gland.     

Island of salivary gland in adipose tissue: a report of three cases

Although uncommon, many variants of lipomatous lesions in or around salivary glands have been reported in the literature. We report a series of three such cases in the minor salivary gland region. The first case (oral floor) is a well-circumscribed lipocytic lesion admixed with glandular components (mucous acini, serous demilunes and ducts). The second case (alveolar mucosa) is a diffuse lipomatous proliferation with entrapped salivary glandular elements, muscles and blood vessels. The third case (palate) is similar to the first case but the gland is located at the periphery of the lesion. The purpose of the article was to report these three lesions and discuss in relation to other pertaining lipomatous lesions (sialolipoma, lipoadenoma, lipomatosis, lipometaplasia in pleomorphic adenoma and infiltrating lipoma).     

唾液腺肌上皮瘤的影像学分析

目的:探讨唾液腺肌上皮瘤(ME)的CT及MRI表现和临床特点。方法:回顾性分析2003年至2007年间17例肌上皮瘤患者的影像学资料。男7例,女10例;年龄23～70岁,平均46岁。结果:病灶直径均小于2.5cm。病灶位于大唾液腺者13例,位置浅表,大多与腺体包膜接触(12/13),有明显结节状强化,包膜可见;位于小唾液腺者4例,无明显强化,其中发生于软腭者1例,发生于硬腭者3例,腭板有压迫性吸收者2例(2/3)。结论:了解唾液腺肌上皮瘤的影像学表现,结合其临床表现,可以提高对ME的诊断和鉴别诊断能力。     

Submaxillary gland mucocele: presentation of a case

The term mucocele is referred to two concepts: the extravasation cysts resulting from salivary glandular duct rupture, with mucin leakage into the surrounding peri-glandular soft tissue, and the retention cysts, caused by a glandular duct obstruction and resulting in a decrease or even an absence of glandular secretion. Mucocele can not be considered as a true cyst because its wall lacks an epithelial lining. These lesions are very common in the minor salivary glands (particularly in the labial glands), but are very infrequent in the major salivary glands--including the submaxillary glands. The present study describes a clinical case of a right submaxillary gland mucocele resolved by surgical treatment and reviews the differential diagnosis with other clinical entities.     

Multiple oral mucoceles treated with evening primrose oil: a report of two cases

Multiple mucoceles of the minor salivary glands are rare in the mouth. Typically, the minor salivary glands of the soft palate are affected. We report two cases that responded entirely following systemic therapy with evening primrose oil. No recurrence was reported over a two-year follow-up period. Evening primrose oil is postulated to have an effect on the composition and/or viscosity of minor salivary gland secretions.     

Secretion from minor salivary glands following ablation of the major salivary glands in rats

Since minor salivary glands are tiny and dispersed, ductal cannulation cannot be used when studying their function. The present study was devised to develop a method of measuring minor salivary gland function by excision of the major glands. Female rats (230–280 g) were anaesthetized with sodium pentobarbital. Ablation of the submandibular, sublingual and parotid glands was performed through a sagittal neck incision. Sham-operated rats served as controls. Groups of sialadenectomized animals were investigated immediately and after 1 week, 2 weeks and 3 months. To study secretory function, the mouth was rinsed with 250 μl water in every 5 min and protein and amylase concentrations were measured. After an initial 50 min of basal secretion pilocarpine (1 mg/kg, i.p.) was given. Bilateral ablation of both submandibular, sublingual and parotid glands led to a moderate loss of body weight and a considerable increase in water intake. No other obvious abnormality was observed for periods up to 90 days following surgery. We deduce that the minor glands secrete approximately 14% of protein and 1% of amylase in whole saliva. Secretion is maintained even after 90 days following removal of the major glands. Surgical removal of the major salivary glands allows the secretory function of the minor glands in rats to be studied in vivo.     

Basal cell adenocarcinoma of the oral minor salivary glands: review of the literature and presentation of two cases

Basal cell adenocarcinoma (BCA) is an unusual salivary gland malignancy that very rarely affects the minor glands. Here we present 2 cases of BCA arising in the minor salivary glands of the left cheek and junction of the hard and soft palate, respectively. The patients were both women aged 66 and 42 years. The tumors assumed a tubular-trabecular and a solid-membranous pattern, respectively. Both tumors showed immunopositivity for S-100, Bcl-2, and cytokeratin 7. One tumor was also immunopositive for epithelial membrane antigen and carcinoembryonic antigen, and the other tumor was reactive with p53 and vimentin. Both tumors were surgically removed. A comprehensive literature review revealed only 21 previously reported cases of BCA of oral minor salivary glands. This is an exceptionally rare salivary gland tumor, which, despite its low-grade behavior, demands complete surgical removal with adequate margins. Immunohistochemical studies may complement a thorough histopathologic analysis in discriminating BCA from other salivary gland tumors.