Background: IgG4-related sialadenitis is a chronic inflammatory condition that affects the salivary glands, which produce saliva in your mouth. It is part of a group of IgG4-related diseases (IgG4-RD). In this condition, the immune system produces too much of an antibody called IgG4, leading to inflammation and swelling of the salivary glands. The inflammation can cause …
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Basal cell adenocarcinoma is a rare malignant (cancerous) tumour that arises in the salivary glands. It originates from the basal cells, which are cells that line the outer layer of the salivary gland ducts. Most basal cell adenocarcinomas arise in the parotid gland, the largest salivary gland in front of the ear. However, these tumours …
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Epithelial-myoepithelial carcinoma (EMC) is a type of salivary gland cancer. The tumour is described as a biphasic salivary gland neoplasm because it is made up of two populations of cells: ductal (luminal) cells and myoepithelial (abluminal) cells. The most common location for epithelial-myoepithelial carcinoma is the parotid gland, although the tumour can be found in …
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Carcinoma ex pleomorphic adenoma is a type of salivary gland cancer that develops from within a previously benign (noncancerous) tumour called pleomorphic adenoma. In pathology, carcinoma is a general term used to describe a group of malignant (cancerous) tumours made up of epithelial cells, while “ex” means “out of” or “from”. Put together, carcinoma ex …
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What is secretory carcinoma of the salivary glands? Secretory carcinoma is a relatively uncommon type of salivary gland cancer. It is characterized by a genetic change involving the genes ETV6, RET, or NTRK3. This genetic change results in a combination or fusion of two of the three genes. A similar tumour can be found in …
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What is a myoepithelioma? A myoepithelioma is a non-cancerous type of salivary gland tumour. It is made up of specialized myoepithelial cells that are normally found in the salivary gland. This tumour should not be confused with the similarly named myoepithelioma that starts in soft tissue. Where is myoepithelioma normally found? Most myoepitheliomas are found …
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What is a Warthin tumour? A Warthin tumour is a non-cancerous type of salivary gland tumour. Most Warthin tumours are found in the parotid gland. What causes a Warthin tumour? Warthin tumours are strongly associated with a history of cigarette smoking. For patients without a history of smoking, the cause remains unclear. What are the …
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