Salivary Gland Tumours
Most salivary tumours arise in the parotid, where the majority are benign. The smaller the gland, the higher the chance a tumour is malignant (minor glands have a high malignant proportion).
Benign
- Pleomorphic adenoma — most common salivary tumour overall; mixed epithelial + myxochondroid stroma; parotid; can recur if incompletely excised.
- Warthin tumour (papillary cystadenoma lymphomatosum) — almost exclusively parotid, can be bilateral, oncocytes over lymphoid stroma, linked to smoking.
Malignant
- Mucoepidermoid carcinoma — most common salivary malignancy (and most common in children); mucous + epidermoid cells.
- Adenoid cystic carcinoma — "cribriform/Swiss-cheese" pattern, notorious for perineural invasion and late distant metastasis; common in minor glands and submandibular gland.
- Polymorphous adenocarcinoma — minor glands, especially palate.
Exam Tips ⭐
Most common benign = pleomorphic adenoma. Most common malignant = mucoepidermoid carcinoma. Perineural invasion + cribriform = adenoid cystic carcinoma.
📝 Practice MCQs — Salivary Gland Tumors
Q1. The most common salivary gland tumour is:
A. Warthin tumour
B. Pleomorphic adenoma
C. Mucoepidermoid carcinoma
D. Adenoid cystic carcinoma
Show Answer
✅ Answer: B
Pleomorphic adenoma is the most common salivary gland neoplasm.
Q2. The most common malignant salivary gland tumour is:
A. Adenoid cystic carcinoma
B. Acinic cell carcinoma
C. Mucoepidermoid carcinoma
D. Polymorphous adenocarcinoma
Show Answer
✅ Answer: C
Mucoepidermoid carcinoma is the most common salivary malignancy.
Q3. Perineural invasion and a cribriform 'Swiss-cheese' pattern characterise:
A. Warthin tumour
B. Adenoid cystic carcinoma
C. Pleomorphic adenoma
D. Oncocytoma
Show Answer
✅ Answer: B
Adenoid cystic carcinoma shows cribriform pattern and perineural spread.
Q4. Which salivary tumour is classically bilateral and linked to smoking?
A. Pleomorphic adenoma
B. Warthin tumour
C. Mucoepidermoid carcinoma
D. Basal cell adenoma
Show Answer
✅ Answer: B
Warthin tumour can be bilateral and is associated with smoking.
📧 Get Free NEET MDS MCQs in Your Inbox
50 high-yield MCQs + mnemonics + AI study tips — completely free
No spam. Unsubscribe anytime.