Sialolithiasis of minor salivary glands (SMSG) is rarely reported and presumably represents an underestimated disease. This study examined the clinicopathological aspects of 25 selected SMSG cases over an 11-year period at the Oral Pathology Department of the University of Sao Paulo, Brazil. SMSG was not a clinical diagnosis in 92% of the cases. Histologically, the sialoliths tended to be superficial and formed by concentric layers with variable degrees of mineralization. Chronic periductal and parenchymal inflammation were frequent, as well as squamous metaplasia of the affected duct. Ectasia, squamous and mucous metaplasia, mucous plug formation, and cellular debris were seen in adjacent ducts. Clinicians should be aware of SMSG, especially with regard to its higher incidence in the upper lip and buccal mucosa.
Keywords: diagnosis; histopathology; minor; salivary glands; sialolithiasis.