What are the other Names for this Condition? (Also known as/Synonyms)

• Salivary Gland Sebaceous Adenoma
• Sebaceous Gland Adenoma of Salivary Gland

What is Sebaceous Adenoma of Salivary Gland? (Definition/Background Information)

• Sebaceous Adenoma of Salivary Gland is a rare and benign tumor arising in the head and neck region; the involvement of the major or minor salivary glands may be noted
• Salivary Gland Sebaceous Adenomas constitute below 0.5% of all adenomas affecting the salivary glands. A majority of the tumors are present in adults
• Generally, the cause of formation of Sebaceous Adenoma of Salivary Gland is unknown, and no risk factors have been clearly established
• Most small tumors are asymptomatic and painless. Large tumors may present pain, discomfort, and eating/chewing difficulties. The diagnosis of Sebaceous Adenoma of Salivary Gland can be established through a tissue biopsy
• The treatment is a complete surgical removal of the tumor. The prognosis of Sebaceous Adenoma of Salivary Gland is generally excellent in most cases, since it is a benign tumor

Who gets Sebaceous Adenoma of Salivary Gland? (Age and Sex Distribution)

• Sebaceous Adenoma of Salivary Gland is an uncommon tumor that accounts for about 0.1% of all tumors, both benign and malignant, affecting the salivary glands
• It is typically present in adults in the age range 22-90 years, with mean age of presentation being 58 years. Very rarely, the tumor may be present in children
• Both males and females are affected and a slight male preference is observed (1.6:1 male-female ratio)
• The tumor can affect all races and ethnic groups

What are the Risk Factors for Sebaceous Adenoma of Salivary Gland? (Predisposing Factors)

• No clearly identified risk factors for Sebaceous Adenoma of Salivary Glands have been established to date

It is important to note that having a risk factor does not mean that one will get the condition. A risk factor increases one’s chances of getting a condition compared to an individual without the risk factors. Some risk factors are more important than others.

Also, not having a risk factor does not mean that an individual will not get the condition. It is always important to discuss the effect of risk factors with your healthcare provider.

What are the Causes of Sebaceous Adenoma of Salivary Gland? (Etiology)

Currently, the cause of formation of Sebaceous Adenoma of Salivary Gland is unknown.

What are the Signs and Symptoms of Sebaceous Adenoma of Salivary Gland?

The signs and symptoms of Sebaceous Adenoma of Salivary Gland may include:

• Presence of a well-formed, painless, usually solid tumor in the mouth
• In about 40-50% of the cases, the parotid glands (major salivary glands) are involved; some tumors arise in the submandibular gland
• Around 30% of the tumors form on the cheek inner lining (buccal mucosa), or in the lower jaw near the tongue base
• The tumor size may range from 4-30 mm (diameter)

How is Sebaceous Adenoma of Salivary Gland Diagnosed?

The following exams and procedures may be used in the diagnosis of Sebaceous Adenoma of Salivary Gland:

• Evaluation of the individual’s medical history and a through physical examination
• Plain X-ray of the head and neck region
• Ultrasound scan of the affected salivary gland
• CT or CAT scan with contrast of the head and neck usually shows a well-defined mass. This radiological procedure creates detailed 3-dimensional images of structures inside the scanned region
• MRI scans of head and neck region: A magnetic field is used to create high-quality pictures of certain parts of the body, such as tissues, muscles, nerves, and bones. These high-quality pictures may reveal the presence of the tumor

Although the above modalities can be used to make an initial diagnosis, a tissue biopsy of the tumor is necessary to make a definitive diagnosis to begin treatment. The tissue for diagnosis can be procured in multiple different ways which include: 

• Fine needle aspiration (FNA) biopsy of the tumor: A FNA biopsy may not be helpful, because one may not be able to visualize the different morphological areas of the tumor. Hence, a FNA biopsy as a diagnostic tool has certain limitations, and an open surgical biopsy may be recommended.
• Salivary gland core biopsy of the tumor
• Salivary gland open biopsy of the tumor

Tissue biopsy:

• A tissue biopsy of the tumor is performed and sent to a laboratory for a pathological examination. A pathologist examines the biopsy under a microscope. After putting together clinical findings, special studies on tissues (if needed) and with microscope findings, the pathologist arrives at a definitive diagnosis. Examination of the biopsy under a microscope by a pathologist is considered to be gold standard in arriving at a conclusive diagnosis
• Biopsy specimens are studied initially using Hematoxylin and Eosin staining. The pathologist then decides on additional studies depending on the clinical situation
• Sometimes, the pathologist may perform special studies, which may include immunohistochemical stains, molecular testing, and very rarely, electron microscopic studies to assist in the diagnosis

The differential diagnosis of a Salivary Gland Sebaceous Adenoma may include:

• Sebaceous lymphadenoma
• Lymphadenoma of salivary gland

Many clinical conditions may have similar signs and symptoms. Your healthcare provider may perform additional tests to rule out other clinical conditions to arrive at a definitive diagnosis.

What are the possible Complications of Sebaceous Adenoma of Salivary Gland?

Significant complications due to Sebaceous Adenoma of Salivary Gland are generally not noted. In some cases, the following may be observed:

• Discomfort while speaking and eating, due to the presence of large tumors
• Surgery to remove the tumor mass may result in facial nerve palsy (surgical complication)
• Post-surgical wound infection
• Occasionally, a malignant transformation of this benign tumor is noted
• Recurrences after treatment is generally uncommon, but is known to occur

How is Sebaceous Adenoma of Salivary Gland Treated?

• A complete surgical excision with clear margins is the preferred mode of treatment of Sebaceous Adenoma of Salivary Gland. This can result in a cure
• Post-operative care is important: One must maintain minimum activity levels, until the surgical wound heals
• Follow-up following surgery/treatment is recommended

How can Sebaceous Adenoma of Salivary Gland be Prevented?

• Current medical research has not established a method of preventing the formation of Sebaceous Adenoma of Salivary Gland
• Regular medical screening at periodic intervals following treatment is beneficial

What is the Prognosis of Sebaceous Adenoma of Salivary Gland? (Outcomes/Resolutions)

• The prognosis of Sebaceous Adenoma of Salivary Gland is generally excellent with surgical intervention and complete removal, since it is a benign tumor
• The risk of tumor recurrence following surgery is minimal. Extremely rarely, malignant transformations have been noted

Additional and Relevant Useful Information for Sebaceous Adenoma of Salivary Gland:

There are 3 major types of salivary glands and these include the following:

• Parotid glands, found on the sides of the face
• Submandibular glands located at the back of mouth, on both sides of the jaw
• Sublingual glands that are seen under the floor of the mouth

The salivary glands produce saliva that helps in:

• Lubricating the mouth
• Swallowing
• Protects the teeth against bacteria
• Digestion of food