Pathology Consultation Primary Lymphomas of the Major Salivary Glands

The finding of a lymphoma of the major salivary glands (almost always parotid gland) has two diagnostic implications; it is only part of a known disseminated process, or it may be the first clinical-pathologic evidence of lymphoma. In the latter instance, the disease may be localized or, most often, be a precursory lesion to regional or systemic disease. Patients with Sjögren's or sicca syndrome are at increased risk for the development of lymphoma, and their lymphomas are biologically more aggressive.