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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Canalicular adenoma is a benign (noncancerous) type of salivary gland tumour. It most commonly arises in a minor salivary gland, such as those in the lip and oral cavity (palate, gingiva, floor of mouth). It is a rare tumour, representing about 1% of all salivary gland tumours. What are the symptoms of a canalicular adenoma? …
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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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Myoepithelial carcinoma is a type of salivary gland cancer made up almost entirely of myoepithelial cells. The salivary glands are a group of small organs found predominantly in the head and neck. Most tumours are found in the parotid gland, the largest salivary gland located in the neck just under the ear. About this article …
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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 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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A biphasic salivary gland neoplasm is a tumour that arises in one of the salivary glands. It is called biphasic because it comprises two distinct populations of cells: luminal cells (ductal cells) and abluminal cells (basal cells or myoepithelial cells). The luminal cells are typically large round or cuboidal-shaped cells that connect to form round …
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An oncocytoma of the salivary gland is a rare, benign (non-cancerous) tumor that arises from the salivary glands. The salivary glands produce saliva, which is important for digestion and maintaining oral health. There are three major pairs of salivary glands: the parotid glands, the submandibular glands, and the sublingual glands, along with hundreds of minor …
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Adenoid cystic carcinoma (ACC) is a slow-growing but locally aggressive type of cancer most commonly found in one of the major salivary glands, such as the parotid, submandibular, or sublingual gland. Other possible locations include the skin, lungs, breasts, and prostate gland. Adenoid cystic carcinoma grows slowly but spreads widely into surrounding tissues. However, unlike …
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What is mucoepidermoid carcinoma? Mucoepidermoid carcinoma (MEC) is a type of salivary gland cancer. The most common location for mucoepidermoid carcinoma is the parotid gland, however, any of the major or minor salivary glands can be affected. Although rare, this type of tumour can also be found in other organs such as the lungs and …
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