Labial salivary gland tumors

Lip pleomorphic adenomas: case series and literature review

BACKGROUND

Pleomorphic adenoma (PA) is the most frequent benign salivary gland tumor, but a lip PA is rare. Although this tumor may be definitively diagnosed by imaging or a tissue biopsy if it is reasonably large, PAs on the lip are relatively small, and they present findings that are similar to those of other lip lesions, which can make a preoperative diagnosis difficult.

METHODS

We analyzed all PAs in the oral region and lesions on the lips treated in our department over the past 20 years, and we discuss them together with the relevant literature.

RESULTS

We found that 11.8% (n=6) of the PAs occurred on a lip (upper lip: 9.8%, lower lip: 2.0%), and ~1% of all mass lesions of the lips were PAs. The average size of the lip PAs was 1.5±0.7 cm (range, 0.7-2.2 cm). For preoperative diagnostic assistance, ultrasonography (US) (n=4), magnetic resonance (MR) (n=3), or no imaging (n=2) was used. An excisional biopsy was performed in all cases, and to date, no recurrence or malignant transformation has been observed.

CONCLUSIONS

Lip PA is relatively rare. Because almost all of these lesions are small, a preoperative diagnosis is more difficult compared to palatal lesions. This tumor is also prone to long-term neglect and has the potential for recurrence and malignant transformation. It is thus necessary to perform an excision that includes the capsule and surrounding tissues, and careful postoperative follow-up should be continued.

Clinical anatomy of the inferior labial gland: a narrative review

Objective

In this article we review the literature on the inferior labial gland from a clinical and anatomical perspective.

Background

Regardless of its importance in clinical practice, there are no medical literature that comprehensively reviewed the inferior labial gland.

Methods

A database search using PubMed and Google Scholar was conducted. The following keywords were used in the search: "lower labial salivary gland", "lower labial gland", "inferior labial salivary gland", AND "inferior labial gland".

Conclusions

The human labial glands are types of minor salivary gland that continuously secrete small amounts of mucous and serous substances to maintain oral health. The inferior labial glands are innervated by the inferior labial branch of the mental nerve, and the inferior labial branch of the facial artery is the main arterial supply to the lower lip. Although they only have an auxiliary role in saliva production compared to the major salivary glands, minor salivary glands provide a certain amount of lubrication in the oral cavity by the continuous outflow of saliva. The inferior labial gland not only promotes moisturization in the oral cavity but also secretes substances with antibacterial effects, which is important for the function of the oral cavity. A recent study showed that the rate of salivary secretion from the inferior labial glands does not change with age, and in some cases the inferior labial glands are used for diagnosing intractable diseases such as Sjogren's syndrome and cystic fibrosis. In addition, since the inferior labial glands themselves can be the site of cyst and/or neoplasia development, we should be careful to distinguish them from other diseases. Elucidation of the anatomy, physiology, and pathology of the inferior labial glands, is important for understanding human health and diseases.

Imaging of Malignant Minor Salivary Gland Tumors of the Head and Neck

Minor salivary gland carcinomas (MSGCs) are nonminor tumors in the head and neck region and account for about half of all salivary gland carcinomas. Imaging evaluation based on the anatomy of minor salivary and mucous glands in the head and neck region as well as invasion patterns in each site helps in identifying optimal treatment modalities and planning suitable treatment strategies. MSGCs can be divided radiologically into localized and invasive subtypes on the basis of the clinical utility of such categorization. Characteristic invasion patterns of the invasive type include deep submucosal extension, bone marrow infiltration, and perineural spread, which are difficult to assess clinically. MSGCs easily invade adjacent structures because of their submucosal location and may spread along the muscles, nerves, periosteum, and dura mater. Moreover, the tumor may spread into the bone marrow without obvious bone destruction. In addition to imaging classification, examining the anatomy and distribution of the minor salivary glands, including the palatal, lingual, buccal, labial, and retromolar glands, as well as other mucous glands, including the glands of the sinonasal cavity and nasopharynx, lacrimal glands, ceruminous glands, laryngeal glands, and tracheal glands, facilitates MSGC diagnosis and tumor extension assessment. The authors review the precise anatomy of the minor salivary and mucous glands in the head and neck region, discuss the MSGC imaging classifications, and describe how to evaluate the extent of MSGCs in each site on the basis of the imaging classification and invasion patterns. ^©RSNA, 2020.

Intraductal Papilloma Arising From the Minor Salivary Glands of the Larynx: A Case Report

It is rare for intraductal papilloma, a benign papillary tumor, to occur in the salivary glands. To our knowledge, intraductal papilloma occurring in the minor salivary glands of the larynx has not been reported. In this report, we describe a case of intraductal papilloma that occurred in the minor salivary glands of the larynx. A woman in her 30s presented with hoarseness and dyspnea since a year. Fiber-optic laryngoscopy revealed a submucosal tumor involving the left aryepiglottic fold and the left false vocal fold. Computed tomography and magnetic resonance imaging revealed a 17 × 15 × 10 mm³ mass with homogenous isodensity, with regular, well-defined margins located on the left aryepiglottic fold and the left false vocal fold. Surgical resection was performed, and subsequently a diagnosis of intraductal papilloma was made by pathologic evaluation. During the follow-up period of over 3 years, the lesion has not recurred. In conclusion, intraductal papilloma of the minor salivary glands should be considered in the differential diagnosis of laryngeal submucosal tumors.

Twinning of Pleomorphic Adenoma: A Case Report

Pleomorphic adenoma is a common benign salivary gland tumor which presents as a painless swelling that gradually increases in size, if left untreated. It is often seen involving the parotid gland. However, pleomorphic adenoma has been reported to involve the minor salivary glands as well. In this report, we present two cases of pleomorphic adenoma originating from minor salivary glands of the upper lip, occurring in two male patients of the same age (44 years) with markedly similar history of duration, size, and site of the lesion. The tumor was excised in both patients and sent for histopathological analysis which showed features of pleomorphic adenoma confirming the diagnosis.

Characteristics of 5015 Salivary Gland Neoplasms Registered in the Hiroshima Tumor Tissue Registry over a Period of 39 Years

Salivary gland neoplasms are uncommon, and their epidemiology in Japan has not been well described. We conducted a retrospective review of salivary gland tumors registered in the Hiroshima Tumor Tissue Registry over a period of 39 years. The subjects were 5015 cases ranging in age from 6 to 97 (mean, 54.3) years old. The incidence of both benign tumors and malignant tumors increased with age until 60-69 years and then declined. Among the 5015 salivary gland neoplasms, 3998 (80%) were benign and 1017 (20%) were malignant. Pleomorphic adenoma (PA) was the most frequent benign tumor (68%), followed by Warthin tumor (26%). Adenoid cystic carcinoma (ACC) (27%) and mucoepidermoid carcinoma (MEC) (26%) were the two most frequent malignant tumors. Characteristically, there was a very low incidence of polymorphous adenocarcinoma in Japan. The average annual age-adjusted incidence rate per 100,000 population was 3.3 for benign tumors and 0.8 for malignant tumors. This is the large-scale multi-institutional analysis to describe the characteristics of salivary gland neoplasms, based on the pathological tissue registry data. We hope that the present data can contribute to early diagnosis and effective treatment of salivary gland tumors and to cancer prevention.

Salivary Gland Malignancies

Salivary gland tumors are rare pathologic entities that are derived from major and minor salivary gland tissue located throughout the head and neck region. These tumors are distinctly heterogenous, comprising numerous cell types, especially those deemed malignant. The incidence of malignant salivary gland tumors is widely distributed in both adult and pediatric patient populations. Accurate diagnosis and optimal treatment of these tumors pose challenges to both interpreting pathologists and ablative surgeons. This article examines the epidemiology and pathology of malignant tumors of the major and minor salivary glands and provides recommendations for the most successful treatment approaches.

Atypical Presentation of an Upper Lip Pleomorphic Adenoma: Case Report

The pleomorphic adenoma (PA) or mixed tumor is the most common neoplasm of the salivary glands, usually presenting with a non-specific clinical manifestation and a diverse histopathological pattern. The region of the lips is the second most common site for minor gland neoplasms. The aim of this paper is to report the case of a 39 year old caucasian woman presenting with a swelling on the right side of the upper lip combined with a history of trauma in the region of the upper right central incisor, eight years ago. The swelling was attributed to the periapical lesion of the upper right central incisor that was observed on the orthopantomography. Intraoperatively the surgeon came upon a nodule of firm consistency in the mucolabial fold. The histopathologic diagnosis of this lesion was benign mixed tumor of salivary gland. This report discusses the deviation in frequency of mixed salivary gland tumor between upper and lower lip, the clinical differential diagnosis, the histopathological pattern and the appropriate treatment.

Tumors of the salivary gland in Mexicans. A retrospective study of 360 cases

OBJECTIVE

To establish distribution frequency and demographic characteristics of salivary gland tumours (SGT) in order to identify possible risk profiles.

DESIGN OF STUDY

The present report constitutes an eight year retrospective study (January 2000-August 2007). The archives of the Clinical and Experimental Pathology Laboratory (Graduate and Research Division, Dental School, National Autonomous University of Mexico) as well as archives of the Surgical Pathology Service (General Hospital, Mexico City) were subject to revision in order to select all cases where SGT tumour diagnoses were emitted. Age and gender of patients as well as SGT topography were obtained from medical records. Selected cases were classified according to location of the lesion, histological lineage and biological behaviour.

RESULTS

360 cases of SGT were included, 227 (67%) cases were benign tumours, while 83 cases (23%) were malignant tumours. SGT were most frequent in women with ages ranging from their 3rd to 5th decades of life. 275 tumours were located in major salivary glands, 78.9% of them were identified in the parotid gland. The most frequent location of tumours arising from minor salivary glands (33 cases, 38%) was found in the palatine glands. Tumours of epithelial lineage were the predominant histological type. The most frequent benign tumours were pleomorphic adenomas (86.1%) and papillary cystadenoma lymphomatosum (7.3%). The most frequent malignant tumours were adenoid cystic carcinomas (25%) and mucoepidermoid carcinomas (23.6%).

CONCLUSIONS

Salivary gland tumours in Mexican population appear principally in major salivary glands of women in their 3rd to 5th decade of life.

Bilateral canalicular adenomas of the upper lip

An unusual case of canalicular adenomas appearing bilaterally and simultaneously as separate nodules of the right and left upper lip is described. Upon histological examination, both nodules revealed tumor islands within their respective capsules, as well as outside their capsules and extending into normal salivary gland tissues. The article describes this unusual case and reviews the significance of the extracapsular tumor islands. The immunohistochemical profiles of canalicular adenoma and other salivary gland neoplasms with similar histology are compared and discussed.

Intraoral minor salivary gland neoplasms: review of 213 cases

PURPOSE

Minor salivary gland tumors (MSGTs) constitute a heterogeneous group of neoplasms with great histomorphologic variation. This study reviews a large series of benign and malignant salivary gland tumors of the oral region and determines the incidence and the correlation of the histopathologic features with the clinical characteristics.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

Two hundred thirteen cases of MSGT were retrospectively studied. Hematoxylin-eosin-stained slides were examined in all cases. Special stains and immunohistochemical stains were used in selected cases. Clinical characteristics of the neoplasms were also noted.

RESULTS

One hundred nineteen tumors were benign (56%), and 94 tumors were malignant (44%). Pleomorphic adenoma was the most common benign tumor (93 of 119). Canalicular adenoma was the second most common benign MSGT in our series (25 of 119). Of the 94 malignant MSGTs, mucoepidermoid carcinoma (MEC) (45 of 94), adenoid cystic carcinoma (22 of 94), and polymorphous low-grade adenocarcinoma (18 of 94) were the most common. Most MECs (34 of 45) were low-grade lesions. Of 5 central MECs, 3 cases occurred in the maxilla and 2 cases arose in the mandible.

CONCLUSIONS

Benign intraoral MSGTs are slightly more common than malignant MSGTs. Pleomorphic adenoma is the most common MSGT, and MEC is the most common malignant variety. The palate is the most common site for minor gland neoplasms. Benign labial salivary gland neoplasms are more common in the upper lip, and malignant labial tumors are more common in the lower lip.

Salivary adenocarcinoma, not otherwise specified: a collection of orphans

CONTEXT

Salivary adenocarcinoma, not otherwise specified, refers to gland-forming malignancies that do not satisfy the diagnostic requirements of other "named" malignancies.

OBJECTIVE

To review the features of 11 patients with salivary adenocarcinoma, not otherwise specified. To also compare the diagnostic frequencies of 2 databases, one from the Mount Sinai Medical Center (New York, NY), the other from the Shanghai Ninth People's Hospital (Shanghai, People's Republic of China).

DESIGN

Pathology files were searched to establish a database of salivary tumors. All available hematoxylin-eosin- stained slides from the resection specimens diagnosed as either adenocarcinoma, not otherwise specified, or with vague or unusual diagnoses (eg, probable carcinoma-ex-pleomorphic adenoma) were pulled from our files and reexamined. Dates of death were confirmed with the Social Security Death Index.

RESULTS

We identified 11 patients with salivary adenocarcinoma, not otherwise specified, ranging in age from 49 to 80 years (median, 67 years), with a male preponderance. The parotid gland was the most common site of tumor origin. Ten of these tumors were high grade, and 1 was intermediate grade. Two patients were diagnosed at stage II, while the remaining patients were diagnosed at stage III or IV. Histologically, all tumors were invasive, with variable glandular differentiation and diverse architectural patterns. The diverse cytologic tumor cell types included cuboidal, columnar, epithelioid, polygonal, oncocytoid, clear, melanoma-like, mucinous, sebaceous, and plasmacytoid. Four patients died after 4 to 27 months (mean, 15 months), 1 patient is alive with disease at 12 months, 1 patient is disease-free at 14 years, and 3 patients remain disease-free after short follow-ups (10, 12, and 12 months). One patient had surgery just recently, and the remaining patient had no follow-up.

CONCLUSIONS

Salivary adenocarcinoma, not otherwise specified, is an aggressive, high-grade malignancy, with a predisposition for the parotid gland. It is characterized by cytologic and architectural diversity and an invasive growth pattern.

Intraduct papilloma of the palate. Report of a case

Salivary gland papillomas are rare tumours arising from ductal epithelium. Intraduct papillomas are the most rare of all duct papillomas. Only four intraduct papillomas have been described in a review of nearly 3100 epithelial salivary tumours. Intraduct papillomas are located almost exclusively in the excretory ducts of the minor salivary glands. However, also the major salivary glands may be affected. Microscopically, the tumour consists of fibrovascular papillae covered by a columnar or cuboidal epithelium. The authors describe an intraduct papilloma of the palate in a 74-year-old woman. The excision of the lesion was curative.

Intraductal papilloma in the parotid duct

Intraductal papilloma arising in the major salivary gland is uncommon. We treated intraductal papilloma of the parotid gland in a 41-year-old man with a 3-week history of a painless mass in his right parotid gland. Radiologic imaging studies revealed a well-circumscribed solitary mass, 1 cm in diameter, at the posterior edge of the right parotid superficial lobe. Complete excision of the mass was performed under general anesthesia. Pathologically, the mass consisted mainly of a cystically dilated salivary duct filled with dark brown muddy components and a cluster of growing papillary cells, leading to the diagnosis of intraductal papilloma. The literature on intraductal papillomas of the major salivary glands is reviewed, with particular focus on preoperative diagnosis of this condition.

Ductal papillomas of salivary gland origin: A report of 19 cases and a review of the literature

The term ductal papilloma is used to identify a group of 3 rare benign papillary salivary gland tumors known as inverted ductal papilloma, sialadenoma papilliferum, and intraductal papilloma. They represent adenomas with unique papillary features and arise from the salivary gland duct system. We describe the clinical and microscopic features of 19 new cases of ductal papillomas and combine them with 116 cases previously published in the English-language medical literature. These 19 cases were composed of 13 inverted ductal papillomas, 3 sialadenoma papilliferums, and 3 intraductal papillomas. Collectively, these 19 ductal papillomas occurred most commonly in the sixth to eighth decade of life, with an average patient age of 54 years. Men predominated 1.37:1. The sialadenoma papilliferums presented as papillary lesions clinically with all 3 misinterpreted as squamous papillomas by the surgeons. The inverted ductal papillomas and intraductal papillomas appeared as submucosal nodules. The lip and the palate were the most common locations for inverted ductal papilloma and sialadenoma papilliferum, respectively. The sites for the 3 intraductal papillomas were the parotid papilla of the Stensen's duct, the upper lip, and the buccal mucosa. With light microscopy, inverted ductal papillomas appeared to arise from the excretory ducts near the mucosal surface, whereas intraductal papillomas appeared to arise from the excretory ducts at a deeper level. Sialadenoma papilliferum had a more complex histology, with a biphasic growth pattern of exophytic papillary and endophytic components. All 19 cases were treated by surgical excision. Follow-up information was available in only 2 cases, both inverted ductal papillomas. Neither case recurred during a 20-year period. Sialadenoma papilliferum, with a literature-derived recurrence rate of 10% to 15%, seems to assert a more significant biological behavior than inverted ductal papilloma and intraductal papilloma. Our findings justify the separation of these 3 entities based on clinical and histologic parameters. They are tumors of adulthood and, in addition, have in common their relationship to the excretory duct system, their anatomical distribution, and their general behavior.

Multiple canalicular adenomas: a case report and review of the literature

The canalicular adenoma is an uncommon, benign salivary gland tumor that most frequently occurs in the upper lip. Rarely, it manifests itself clinically and histologically as a multifocal lesion, a feature not generally seen with other intraoral salivary gland tumors. Here we report a case of canalicular adenoma that manifested itself with 13 clinically discrete tumor masses involving the upper lip and anterior buccal mucosa. In addition to the clinical nodules, there were microscopic foci of tumor cells in the adjacent normal-appearing salivary gland tissue surrounding the tumors. This article also reviews previously reported multifocal canalicular adenomas and discusses their features, emphasizing differences in the reported growth patterns of this unusual tumor.

Management of minor salivary gland carcinomas

PURPOSE

To assess the role of radiotherapy alone or in combination with surgery in the treatment of patients with malignant minor salivary gland carcinomas.

METHODS AND MATERIALS

Between October 1964 and November 1992, 95 patients with minor salivary gland carcinomas of the head and neck received radiotherapy with curative intent. Eighty-seven patients were previously untreated, and 8 were treated for postsurgical recurrence. Fifty-one patients were treated with radiotherapy alone, and 44 were treated by surgical resection plus radiotherapy. Patients were staged according to the 1983 American Joint Committee on Cancer (AJCC) staging criteria for squamous cell carcinomas.

RESULTS

The 20-year actuarial rate of local control was 57% with no significant difference according to histologic type. When tumor stage was taken into consideration, there were no significant differences in local control according to tumor site. The 12-year actuarial probability of distant metastases was 40% (19% as the only site of failure). In multivariate analyses, local control was significantly affected only by tumor stage and treatment type (combined therapy better than radiotherapy alone); tumor stage was a significant predictor of cause-specific survival and freedom from relapse. Freedom-from-relapse rates were higher for patients who received combined treatment (p = 0.068).

CONCLUSIONS

Treatment of minor salivary gland carcinomas is usually by combined surgery and radiotherapy, but there are situations where surgery alone or radiotherapy alone may be used. The ability to control these tumors with radiotherapy alone is not widely recognized. In the present series, the tumor was locally controlled in 20 patients with previously untreated primary lesions after radiotherapy alone (2.5 to 21 years) and in 4 other patients who were treated by radiotherapy alone for postsurgical recurrent tumor (3.5 to 14 years after radiotherapy). Contrary to the widely held belief that local recurrence after radiotherapy eventually develops in all patients with adenoid cystic carcinoma, local control has been maintained in 13 patients after radiotherapy alone; 5 of the 13 patients have been observed for 10 to 17 years.

Intraduct papilloma of parotid gland

Intraduct papillomas of the salivary glands are rare solitary tumours. Most of the reported cases have occurred in minor salivary glands. A case which occurred in the parotid gland is reported. Fine needle aspiration was performed on this tumour, and the cytological appearances of the aspirate were suggestive of an adenoid cystic carcinoma. This is an important potential diagnostic pitfall which should be borne in mind when interpreting aspirates from salivary gland tumours.

Adenomatosis of minor salivary glands. Report of a case

An account is given of a patient who had multiple canalicular adenomas in the upper lip and adjacent oral mucosa. A few months after these had been excised, several more tumors of the same type developed. Microscopic examination also revealed numerous tiny foci of adenomatous proliferation within otherwise normal salivary gland lobules. We suggest that this phenomenon represents a field neoplastic change although it appears to be benign.