... Abstract Presently, there is no universal ‘working' classification system acceptable to all clinicians involved in the diagnosis and management of patients with salivary gland neoplasms. The most recent World Health Organization Classification of Tumours: Head and Neck Tumours (Salivary Glands...

... Abstract The frequency distribution of salivary gland neoplasms (SGNs) is, in decreasing order, parotid neoplasms, submandibular gland neoplasms, minor SGNs, and sublingual gland neoplasms. The larger the salivary gland (e.g. parotid), the more likely a neoplasm is benign, and the smaller...

... Abstract Salivary neoplasms are relatively infrequent entities that account for only 4% of tumors of the head and neck. Although slow-growing lesions of the preauricular area and submandibular space are often confused with sebaceous cysts, lymph nodes, or lipomas by the non-otolaryngologist...

.... Selected cases can be observed. Conservative surgical management can include partial superficial parotidectomy or extracapsular dissection. Not uncommonly, other major and minor salivary gland neoplasms, including myoepithelioma, basal cell adenoma, oncocytoma, canalicular adenoma, cystadenoma, and ductal...

... Abstract Estimating the prognosis of a patient with a rare disease like salivary gland carcinoma has always been a significant challenge for the clinician. Recent evolution in prognostic research has resulted in systems that summarize the effect of properly weighted, multivariate independent...

... salivary gland neoplasms are more common, the majority (>80%) of which present in the oral cavity, most frequently in the palatal area, as painless masses or as obstructive symptoms in the head and neck region. The most frequent pathologies are adenoid cystic carcinoma and mucoepidermoid carcinoma...

... Abstract Metastases from salivary gland carcinomas to the cervical lymph nodes are relatively uncommon. However, their impact on prognosis is significant and, thus, it is important to manage them appropriately. Treatment of clinically evident metastases consists primarily of surgery, frequently...

... Abstract There is an established role for post-operative radiotherapy in the treatment of benign and malignant salivary gland tumours. For benign disease, the addition of radiotherapy improves local tumour control in cases with incomplete excision, involved surgical margins or multi-focal...

... Abstract The management of malignant salivary gland neoplasms is based on a surgical paradigm, with intraoperative findings and pathology guiding the role of local-regional adjuvant therapy. Despite high rates of local control, local relapse can be a dominant pattern of recurrence, presenting...

... Abstract Salivary gland neoplasms (SGNs) in children are uncommon. Epithelial SGNs (ESGNs) comprise the majority (95%), with the remaining being mesenchymal SGNs (MeSGNs). Pleomorphic adenoma is the most frequently encountered benign neoplasm, mucoepidermoid carcinoma is the most frequent...

... Abstract Quality of life (QoL) has been recognized as an important endpoint in addition to disease-related and global survival. It is particularly important for patients with salivary gland neoplastic disease. For patients who are undergoing benign salivary gland tumor surgery, cosmetic...

... As is evident from the excellent chapters in this volume, many advances in the diagnosis and management of salivary gland neoplasms have occurred in the past several decades that have resulted in improved surgical outcomes and less morbidity. These advances have translated into improved...

... Abstract An overview of the anatomy and biogenesis of salivary glands is important in order to understand the physiology, functions and disorders associated with saliva. A major disorder of salivary glands is salivary hypofunction and resulting xerostomia, or dry mouth, which affects hundreds...

... Abstract Maintenance of a film of saliva on oral surfaces is dependent upon nerve-mediated, reflex salivary gland secretion. Afferent signalling arises from taste, olfaction and mastication and is modified by signalling from other centres in the central nervous system before efferent signals...

... Abstract The salivary pellicle is a thin acellular organic film that forms on any type of surface upon exposure to saliva. The role of the pellicle is manifold, and it plays an important role in the maintenance of oral health. Its functions include not only substratum protection and lubrication...

... Abstract The three most frequently diagnosed salivary gland diseases are salivary gland infections, sialolithiasis and mucoceles. Salivary gland infections are usually of bacterial or viral etiology and can be divided into acute and chronic types. Occasionally they can result from obstruction...

...References References 1. Holsinger FC, Bui DT: Anatomy, function, and evaluation of the salivary glands. (eds) Myers EN, Ferris RL: Salivary Gland Disorders Berlin, Springer, 2007;1-16 2. Granick MS, Hanna DC, 3rd: Surgical management of salivary gland disease. (eds) Grannick MS, Hanna...

... Abstract Salivary glands are a group of organs secreting a watery substance that is of utmost importance for several physiological functions ranging from the protection of teeth and surrounding soft tissues to the lubrication of the oral cavity, which is crucial for speech and perception...

... Abstract Salivary glands across the animal kingdom show a huge array of shapes, sizes and variations in number within the oral cavity. Some are branched, others elongated and unbranched, some are small and numerous, while others are greatly enlarged. In most species the salivary glands are used...