SALIVARY-GLAND HETEROTOPIA IN THE LOWER NECK - A REPORT OF 5 CASES

Heterotopic salivary gland tissue (HSGT) represents an uncommon lesion , usually presenting as a discharging sinus in the base of the neck. D iagnostic criteria and embryogenesis of this entity still remain uncle ar. For the purpose of clarifying both subjects, all lateral cervical anomalies undergoing surgery during a 12-year period were examined. Hi stological study showed salivary tissue in 10 out of 119 patients. How ever, only 5 of them accomplished HSGT criteria. This study presents t he second largest series to date of undisputed HSGT in the lower neck. Both accessory glands and branchial cleft anomalies should be disting uished from this lesion. Neoplastic transformation in HSGT, although e xtremely rare, should also be considered. (C) 1998 Elsevier Science Ir eland Ltd. All rights reserved.