Cervical Heterotopic Salivary Gland Neoplasms: A Diagnostic Dilemma

Abstract

Salivary gland neoplasms found within cervical lymph nodes and occurring as neck masses probably represent primary tumors of heterotopic salivary gland tissue. Five new cases of cervical heterotopic salivary gland neoplasms having appropriate clinical follow-up are added to the literature from ten case reports reviewed at the Armed Forces Institute of Pathology from 1956 to 1980. The rarity of these tumors precludes a definitive statement regarding the treatment of this primary tumor of the neck. The most appropriate follow-up may be long-term serial clinical evaluations of the head and neck after excision of the neck mass.