TUMORS OF THE SUBLINGUAL GLAND AND SPACE AND TUMORLIKE AND INFLAMMATORY CONDITIONS

ANTHONY A. MANCUSO, MIKHAIL VAYSBERG, AND WILLIAM M. MENDENHALL

There is an unavoidable overlap between the conditions discussed in this chapter and in those considering oral cavity pathology since the sublingual space (SLS) is an important component of the floor of the mouth. This chapter will discuss both problem-based and etiologic framework disease that may originate or primarily affect the sublingual gland (SLG) and/or space.

INTRODUCTION

A Dilemma: Sublingual Gland and Space Mass of Glandular or Nonglandular Origin

Mass lesions in the SLG region may be intrinsic or extrinsic to the SLG. Infiltrating systemic disease such as sarcoidosis, manifestations of autoimmune sialoadenitis, and rarely lymphoma can mimic an SLG epithelial-origin tumor if those conditions are not otherwise known to be present (Fig. 183.1). Diagnostic imaging may have a significant impact on sorting out these possibilities and thereby alter medical decision making. The contributions are equally important in some cases of intrinsic glandular epithelial-origin neoplasms.

Sublingual Gland Tumors

Major salivary glands contain several different groups of functioning and support cells that lead to the variety of possible histologic diagnoses that were discussed in Chapter 22. Precise histologic diagnosis by frozen section and needle biopsy may be difficult, especially with regard to distinguishing between benign and malignant neoplasms. Those planning care must be very aware of this limitation. Imaging features can sometimes help to anticipate malignancies. The main problem is that benign-appearing masses may be malignant and malignant-appearing masses are sometimes histologically benign. Because of this dilemma, both benign and malignant tumors are discussed in this chapter along with some of their more common potential mimics. However, predicting in advance whether a mass is benign or malignant most often does not alter the initial, usually surgical, approach to care (Figs. 183.2 and 183.3).

ANATOMIC AND DEVELOPMENTAL CONSIDERATIONS

Embryology

The development of the SLG is such that tumors may arise within contiguous accessory tissue that extends far anteriorly in the SLS, where it may then be contiguous with submandibular gland (SMG) salivary tissue in the submandibular space (SMS) via anatomic defects in the anterior aspect of the mylohyoid muscle. Similar contiguity of the SLG with the SMG may occur over the back edge of the mylohyoid muscle.

Applied Anatomy

The anatomic relationships important to medical decision making in SLG and SLS disease are reviewed in more detail in Chapter 175 and summarized here. That anatomy includes the following:

1. Relationships of the SLG to other structures in and around the floor of the mouth, including the mandible, mylohyoid muscle, genioglossus and hyoglossus muscles, and the deep portion of the SMG
   
2. Relationship of the SLS and SMS and adjacent parapharyngeal space
   
3. Anatomy of the lingual and hypoglossal nerves within the floor of the mouth and more proximally
   
4. Sublingual and level 1 lymph node drainage patterns (Chapters 149 and 157)

IMAGING APPROACH

Techniques and Relevant Aspects

Computed Tomography and Magnetic Resonance Imaging

Specific computed tomography (CT) protocols for various indications appear in Appendix A and are discussed in more detail in Chapters 175 and 182.

Specific magnetic resonance (MR) protocols for various indications appear in Appendix B and are discussed in more detail in Chapters 175 and 182.

Diffusion-weighted imaging (DWI) may be obtained since it may contribute information about the likely benign or malignant nature of the mass; however, it is unlikely that any serious clinical decision will be based on such data relative to that from the clinical setting, anatomic imaging, and biopsy.

Since it is not predictable when contrast might be useful, a magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) study of the SLG and SLS is generally done with acquisitions before and after contrast injection. Contrast-enhanced MR studies are clearly useful when there are associated neuropathies that must be evaluated, if the lesion is aggressive, and/or if the cervical nodes are to be evaluated.

Ultrasound

Standard scanning techniques as described in Chapter 4 are used.

Radionuclide Studies

Radionuclide studies are not used routinely for the evaluation of salivary gland masses. The reasons are discussed subsequently.

Pros and Cons

General Approach

Magnetic Resonance and Computed Tomography

MR and CT are the most used imaging studies to evaluate SLG/SLS disease. Such expensive studies are not usually necessary if the mass is discrete and freely mobile. If there is a hint of an inflammatory condition of salivary gland or other origin clinically in the presence of a mass, then CT is preferred over MR.

Ultrasound

SLG tumors are usually not studied definitively with ultrasound in most practices. Some find an ultrasound useful in the initial evaluation of a mass in the floor of the mouth; in some instances, this may triage a patient to a definitive plan without the need for more advanced imaging.

Radionuclide Studies

Radionuclide studies are not used routinely for the evaluation of salivary gland masses. The constraints on its utility are discussed in more detail in Chapter 5 in general and with regard to glandular neoplasms in Chapter 22. Technetium, iodine, and fluorine-18 2-fluoro-2-deoxy-D-glucose (FDG) activity is frequently seen in normal glands (Fig. 5.9). FDG uptake is quite variable in both benign and malignant salivary gland neoplasms, somewhat limiting the utility of fluorine-18 2-fluoro-2-deoxy-D-glucose positron emission tomography (FDG-PET) studies in patients with salivary gland masses.

Specific Indications

1. Define the origin and extent of an SLG/SLS mass: Is it likely of SLG origin? If the margins or nature of a mass are not clear after physical examination, then CT or MR may be done. This will first help to determine whether the mass point of origin is intrinsic or extrinsic to the SLG. This factor alone may markedly alter the course of management (Figs. 183.4–183.8) since submucosal floor of the mouth masses are frequently of nonglandular origin. Imaging can quickly narrow the diagnostic possibilities by excluding extrinsic causes of SLG/SLS masses.
   

   MR or CT is almost always capable of differentiating an intrinsic SLG neoplasm from an extrinsic mass. Other submucosal masses, such as a ranula, dermoid cyst, or rare lesions of neural or mesenchymal origin, are fully capable of mimicking an intrinsic SLG lesion (Figs. 183.9–183.15). Inflammatory disease will usually manifest some degree of intrinsic surrounding inflammatory-appearing change (Figs. 183.16–183.24 and Chapter 13).

   
   

   If the mass is intrinsic to the gland, it may be malignant and the study should be extended to include cervical lymph nodes and potential paths of perineural extension (Fig. 183.5).

   
   
2. Define the relationship of an intrinsic SLG mass to the surrounding structures, including the mandible, SLS, and mylohyoid muscle.
   
3. Characterize the type of intrinsic or extrinsic lesion present and the degree of invasiveness both within and beyond the SLG.
   
4. Evaluate the full extent of the lesion, and determine whether it has a morphology or associated findings suggestive of an invasive and/or malignant process. This includes the margins of the lesion, internal signal characteristics on T2-weighted images, and perhaps behavior on DWI. Metastatic adenopathy and perineural spread are almost sure signs of a malignant tumor (Figs. 183.4–183.8).
   
5. If extrinsic to either gland, determine whether it is a unilateral or bilateral process and whether it is multifocal on one side and/or both. This determination helps to identify whether the process is likely due to a systemic process.
   
6. Determine the extent of perineural tumor spread in patients with known or suspected malignancies and deficits of the lingual, hypoglossal, or mandibular nerves.
   
7. Identify regional metastatic disease.

Controversies

DWI data may differentiate benign and malignant salivary gland tumors with reasonable accuracy. This ability would seem to be limited by the size of the mass to some extent. Moreover, it is unlikely that any critical decision making would result from DWI data. It costs nothing and can add information, so there is no harm in doing the analysis. There is only harm in relying on the data from DWI as a critical point in the management pathway.

SPECIFIC DISEASE/CONDITION

Benign and Malignant Epithelial-Origin Tumors of the Sublingual Gland and Space

Etiology

Benign and malignant epithelial-origin tumors of the SLG and SLS are spontaneous tumors without a particular etiology.

Prevalence and Epidemiology

Tumors of the major salivary glands account for 3% to 4% of all head and neck tumors. The parotid accounts for about 80% of all major salivary gland tumors. Approximately one half of SMG and SLG tumors are malignant.

Major salivary gland tumors most commonly present in adults over 20 years of age. The average age at presentation is about 55 years for cancers and 40 years for benign tumors. Cancers and benign tumors are uncommon in pediatric patients, but when they occur, they are usually of parotid origin.

Clinical Presentation

History

Most patients with either benign or malignant tumors present with a solitary, painless palpable SLS mass. Occasionally, mild pain may be present, but it does not discriminate benign and malignant lesions. A nearly constant, progressive pain is often associated with malignant neoplasms or inflammatory disease and may herald nerve invasion. Benign mixed tumors may be stable for a long period of time with an abrupt increase in size that brings the patient for physician evaluation.

Physical Examination

Reduced mobility including minimal to moderate fixation may occur in both benign and malignant SLG and SLS neoplasms (Figs. 183.2–183.8). Tumors can produce a bulge in the floor of the mouth.

The mandibular division of the trigeminal nerve (V3) may be involved or at least threatened by tumor (Fig. 183.5). The hypoglossal and lingual nerves may be involved by SLG tumors in the floor of the mouth.

Pathophysiology and Patterns of Disease

Pathology: Benign Tumors

The most common benign SLG tumor is benign mixed tumor, also known as pleomorphic adenoma. It generally presents in patients who are no younger than 20 years of age, being seen most commonly in patients around age 40 years. These tumors uncommonly present in children (Figs. 22.1, 22.2, and 22.4–22.8). The lesions are variable with respect to internal morphology due to relative amounts of connective tissue, cartilage, vascular stoma, and cystic degeneration. This results in an equally variable appearance on CT and MRI as described in Chapter 22.

Related posts:

Preseptal Compartment: Acute and Chronic Infections and Noninfectious Inflammatory Conditions Necrotizing (“Malignant”) Otitis Externa Cervicothoracic Junction: Brachial Plexus Trauma Oropharynx: Introduction Branchial Apparatus Developmental Anomalies Oral Cavity and Floor of the Mouth: Malignant Tumors

Stay updated, free articles. Join our Telegram channel

Join