Spectrum of salivary gland diseases: A 24-year single-institution retrospective study

Introduction

Salivary glands are exocrine glands and are classified as major and minor salivary glands. Salivary gland pathologies are classified as neoplastic and non-neoplastic. The neoplasms of salivary glands can be benign or malignant.

Aim

The aim of the study was to describe the frequency of various salivary gland diseases reported in our institution from 1997 to 2021.

Methodology

This was a 24-year retrospective study of salivary gland lesions processed and reported by the Department of Oral Pathology and Microbiology. Data regarding age, gender, site, and diagnosis were obtained and studied.

Results

Amongst the total 5928 biopsied cases reported, 6% were salivary gland pathologies. Two hundred sixty-six were non-neoplastic lesions and 81 were neoplastic. The most common non-neoplastic lesion was mucous extravasation cyst. The most common neoplastic lesion was pleomorphic adenoma.

Conclusion

The frequency of occurrence of salivary gland lesions in the last 24 years of this institution is almost similar to that stated in other published studies.

The diverse role of oral fibroblasts in normal and disease

Fibroblasts are the major cellular component of the connective tissue. They differ both structurally and functionally based on their location. The oral fibroblasts vary from the dermal fibroblasts in their origin, properties and also functions. These cells play an important role in wound healing, tumor progression and metastasis, allergic reactions. In this review, the various functions of the oral fibroblasts are discussed in detail.