Canalicular adenoma

Canalicular adenoma is a type of benignsalivary glandtumorthat occurs most often in minor salivary glands. In addition to pleomorphic adenoma, the two are the most common tumors of the upper lip.

Characteristic

In 95% of cases, canalicular adenoma occurs on the upper lip. The next most common location is the buccal mucosa (inner cheek). Other sites of the mouth, including the parotid gland, are rare for this disease.

Canalicular adenoma is most likely to occur in older adultsaround 70 years of age. There is a prediliction for gender with most cases being in females. Canalicular adenoma is characterized as a slow growing, painless swelling, whose diameter can be up to 2 cm. It can be normal or bluish in color.

Histology

The appearance of this tumor microscopicallyis very distinct. There are cords of columnar or cuboidal epithelium, which have basophillic nuclei. Parallel rows of cords appear to form long canals. Frequently, there are large cystic spaces. There are no stromal alterations evident.

Treatment

Treatment usually consists of local surgicalremoval of the swelling. Recurrence is unlikely.

References

• Kahn, Michael A. Basic Oral and Maxillofacial Pathology. Volume 1. 2001.

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It uses material from the http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Canalicular+adenoma Wikipedia article Canalicular adenoma.