The Evaluation and Management of Carcinoma of the Minor Salivary Glands

Rohan Walvekar; Neelam Prakash Phalke

doi:10.1016/j.otc.2021.02.011

The Evaluation and Management of Carcinoma of the Minor Salivary Glands

Otolaryngol Clin North Am. 2021 Jun;54(3):629-639. doi: 10.1016/j.otc.2021.02.011.

Authors

Rohan Walvekar¹, Neelam Prakash Phalke²

Affiliations

¹ Department of Otolaryngology-Head & Neck Surgery, Louisiana State University Health Sciences Campus, 533 Bolivar Street, Suite 566, New Orleans, LA 70112, USA. Electronic address: rwalve@lsuhsc.edu.
² Department of Otolaryngology-Head & Neck Surgery, Louisiana State University Health Sciences Campus, 533 Bolivar Street, Suite 566, New Orleans, LA 70112, USA.

PMID: 34024489
DOI: 10.1016/j.otc.2021.02.011

Abstract

There are several hundred minor salivary glands throughout the upper aerodigestive tract, aiding in lubrication and protection of the system. Compared with all tumors of the head and neck and those of the six major glands, neoplasms of the minor glands are rare. However, more than half are found to be malignant, prompting a low threshold for further work-up. This review discusses the evaluation of patients who present with masses of the minor salivary glands, including strategies for tissue diagnosis and staging. Management options for and long-term survival outcomes of the most common malignancies affecting these glands are also discussed.

Keywords: Adenoid cystic carcinoma; Minor salivary gland; Mucoepidermoid carcinoma; Salivary gland carcinoma.

Publication types

Review

MeSH terms

Carcinoma*
Carcinoma, Adenoid Cystic*
Carcinoma, Mucoepidermoid*
Humans
Retrospective Studies
Salivary Gland Neoplasms* / diagnosis
Salivary Gland Neoplasms* / therapy
Salivary Glands, Minor