Most common tumour of minor salivary glands is –
**Question:** Most common tumour of minor salivary glands is -
A. Warthin's tumour
B. Salivary gland adenoma
C. Salivary gland carcinoma
D. Schirmer's test
**Core Concept:**
Minor salivary glands are small, numerous glands scattered throughout the oral cavity, lips, and pharynx. They play a crucial role in maintaining oral moisture and lubrication. The most common tumours arising from these glands are classified based on their histopathological features.
**Why the Correct Answer is Right:**
Warthin's tumour (adenolymphoma) is the most common benign tumour of minor salivary glands. It consists of mixed epithelial and lymphoid components. It predominantly occurs in the parotid gland, followed by the submandibular and lingual glands. Its origin is from the ductal cells.
**Why Each Wrong Option is Incorrect:**
1. Salivary gland adenoma (Option B) refers to benign tumours derived from the acinar cells, not the epithelial cells present in Warthin's tumour.
2. Salivary gland carcinoma (Option C) is a malignant tumour, whereas the question asks for the most common benign tumour.
3. Schirmer's test (Option D) is a non-neoplastic procedure used to assess tear production, not a tumour in minor salivary glands.
**Clinical Pearl:**
Understanding the histopathological features of tumours is essential for accurate diagnosis and appropriate management of patients. In clinical practice, familiarity with the common types of salivary gland tumours helps in prompt and correct diagnosis.
**Correct Answer:**
**Answer:** C. Salivary gland carcinoma
**Explanation:**
Salivary gland carcinoma is the most common malignant tumour in minor salivary glands. They can be further classified based on their histopathological features, such as acinic cell carcinoma, mucoepidermoid carcinoma, and adenoid cystic carcinoma. Understanding the different histopathological types of salivary gland tumours is crucial for accurate diagnosis and appropriate treatment planning for affected patients.