Salivary gland neoplasms of the buccal mucosa are relatively rare and often present with an unusual histopathologic profile when compared with other intraoral locations. We present a series of minor salivary gland neoplasms of the buccal mucosa and discuss demographics, clinical presentation, and histologic findings. An IRB approved retrospective search of University of Florida Oral Pathology Biopsy Service archive from 1994 to 2018 for all salivary gland neoplasms of the buccal mucosa was undertaken. Data related to age, gender, clinical presentation, diagnosis, and category of neoplasm recorded. Review for consensus of diagnosis and immunohistochemical (IHC) testing on current diagnostic standards was performed and diagnoses updated based on results. Of 66 cases identified majority were females (72.7%) and age mean was 63 years. Benign tumors were 56.06% and 43.94% malignant, with Mucoepidermoid carcinoma (MEC) being commonest (26/66, 39.4%), followed by canalicular adenoma (CLA) (14/66, 21.2%), ductal papilloma (DP) (10/66, 15.2%), cystadenoma (CA) (8/66, 12.1%), basal cell adenoma (BCA) (4/66, 6.1%), and 1(1.5%) each for pleomorphic adenoma (PA), secretory carcinoma (SC), adenoid cystic carcinoma (ACC) and adenocarcinoma not otherwise specified (ACNOS). This study with respect to demographics and percentage of benign and malignant buccal mucosal salivary gland neoplasms is in conformity with the literature. It underscores the fact that both benign and malignant salivary gland neoplasms should be included in the differential diagnosis of submucosal buccal masses. Future larger multicenter studies with detailed treatment and outcomes data may aid and assist in further understanding the behavior, diverse histomorphology and prognosis of these neoplasms.
Keywords: Adenoid cystic carcinoma; Buccal mucosa; Minor salivary gland neoplasms; Mucocele; Mucoepidermoid carcinoma; Pleomorphic adenoma; Secretory carcinoma.