Common Malignant Salivary Gland Epithelial Tumors

Raja R Seethala; E Leon Barnes

doi:10.1016/j.path.2011.07.005

Common Malignant Salivary Gland Epithelial Tumors

Surg Pathol Clin. 2011 Dec;4(4):1177-215. doi: 10.1016/j.path.2011.07.005.

Authors

Raja R Seethala¹, E Leon Barnes²

Affiliations

¹ Department of Pathology, University of Pittsburgh Medical Center, A614.X PUH, 200 Lothrop Street, Pittsburgh, PA 15213, USA.
² Department of Pathology, University of Pittsburgh Medical Center, A608 PUH, 200 Lothrop Street, Pittsburgh, PA 15213, USA.

PMID: 26837790
DOI: 10.1016/j.path.2011.07.005

Abstract

Malignant salivary gland epithelial tumors are histologically diverse with at least 24 recognized distinct entities. In general, malignant tumors account for 15% to 30% of parotid tumors, 40% to 45% of submandibular tumors, 70% to 90% of sublingual tumors, and 50% of minor salivary tumors. Common malignancies include mucoepidermoid carcinoma, adenoid cystic carcinoma, acinic cell carcinoma, salivary duct carcinoma, carcinoma ex pleomorphic adenoma, polymorphous lowgrade adenocarcinoma, and myoepithelial carcinoma. Each tumor type has its own unique histologic variants and prognostic pathologic features, and only mucoepidermoid carcinomas have a formalized grading system. The molecular pathogenesis of certain tumors, such as mucoepidermoid carcinoma and adenoid cystic carcinoma, has recently begun to be elucidated.