Spytkirteltumorer – en sjælden, men vigtig tumorgruppe i mundhulen

Salivary gland tumours – a rare but important group of tumours in the oral cavity

Background – Salivary gland tumours are a rare and heterogeneous group of tumours. In the WHO classification 37 epithelial tumours are listed, the majority of which are located in the major salivary glands. Here we focus on tumours arising from the minor intraoral glands. Half of these are malignant and in general it is not possible clinically to differentiate between benign and malignant intraoral salivary gland tumours.

Case presentations – Cases of malignant salivary gland tumors are presented in order to illustrate difficulties of differentiating between benign and malignant salivary gland tumours. The tumours were located on the palate and retromolar region in the lower jaw, respectively.

Conclusion – Suspicion of malignant salivary gland tumour should arise when dealing with swellings in the palate and in the retromolar area – whether or not the clinical impression indicates a benign tumour.