Salivary Glands Flashcards
What is sialolithiasis?
Formation of calcified stones in a salivary gland, commonly to the submandibular gland
Which salivary gland is most prone to tumours?
Parotid
What presentation raises suspicion of a malignant salviary gland tumour?
Firm and painful parotid mass (in young person)
What are the most common benign tumours of the salivary glands?
Pleomorphic adenoma
Who do pleomorphic adenomas commonly affect?
Women over 60
What is the management of pleomorphic adeoma?
Resection (can be difficult as they often recur)
What is a complication of untreated pleomorphic adenoma?
Malignant transformation
What salivary gland tumour is strongly associated with smoking?
Warthin’s tumour
How do Warthin’s tumours commonly present?
Bilateral in middle aged men with smoking history
What is the most common malignant salivary gland tumour in the UK?
Adenoid cystic carcinoma
What is the most common malignant salivary gland tumour worldwide?
Mucoepidermoid carcinoma
How do adenoid cystic carcinoma classically present?
Firm painful parotid mass
What structures do adenoid cystic carcinoma? What is the clinical significance of this?
Nerves causing pain or loss of function
They grow up the nerve and invade the brain, killing the patient over 10-15 years
Why does pain suggest malignancy in the context of salivary gland tumours?
Suggests malignant invasion of a nerve
