Salivary gland tumor is one of the most common tumors in oral and maxillofacial regions. The diagnosis and treatment of salivary gland tumors had been a clinical characteristic project in Peking University School and Hospital of Stomatology since long time ago. Here we introduced the research progress in diagnosis and treatment of salivary gland tumors during the past 10 years. Among 7 190 cases of salivary gland tumors treated in this institution, 4 654 cases (64.7%) were benign, and 2 536 (35.3%) were malignant, with benign ∶ malignant ratio of 1.84 ∶ 1. Parotid was the most common location, followed by minor salivary gland and submandibular gland, while sublingular gland tumor was seldom seen. The proportion of minor salivary gland tumor was relatively high. Among 1 874 cases with primary malignant tumors, the cases with T3 and stage Ⅲ accounted for only 9.6% and 10.3%, respectively, which indicated that there was shortcoming in the T classification and clinical stage formulated by Union for International Cancer Control (UICC), and further revision was required. The 5, 10, and 15 year survival rates of 1 637 cases with postoperative follow-up were 93.1%, 87.2% and 79.3%, respectively, which were much higher than those we reported 30 years ago. The improvement of treatment results was related to more widely used combined treatment with surgery and postoperative radiotherapy, and the increase in patients with early stage. Adenoid cystic carcinoma was the malignant tumor with high rate of distant metastasis. The 5 and 10 year survival rates of the patients with pulmonary metastasis were 76.2% and 51.8%, respectively, which indicated that the pulmonary metastatic carcinomas developed slowly. Recurrent rate of carcinoma ex pleomorphic adenoma was 46.7% after single treatment of sur-gery, while it decreased to 27.5% after combined theraphy with surgery and radiotherapy, indicating that postoperative radiotheraphy could reduce the recurrent rate effectively. The normal myoepithelial cells had the inhibiting role in the invasion and metastasis of carcinoma ex pleomorphic adenoma. The evaluation of integrity of myoepithelial cells surrounding the tumor mass is helpful to understand the invasiveness of the tumors. The new surgical modalities such as extracapsular resection and partial sialoadenectomy were used in treatment of benign tumors of parotid gland and submandibular gland with advantages of decreased tissue damage and preservation of glandular function. Application of digital surgical techniques such as mixed reality combined with surgical navigation and real-time three-dimensional holograms in the surgical treatment of parotid gland tumors showed the benifits of more safety and precision, and less tissue da-mage.
Humans ; Salivary Gland Neoplasms/pathology* ; Carcinoma, Adenoid Cystic/therapy* ; Adenoma, Pleomorphic/therapy* ; Neoplasm Staging

Objective:To summarize the clinical characteristics, diagnosis and treatment experience of salivary pleomorphic adenoma in children. Methods:Thirty patients with salivary pleomorphic adenomas treated in Beijing Childrens Hospital from January 2008 to December 2022 were retrospectively reviewed, including 11 boys and 19 girls, with the age ranging from 0.3 to 14.4 years（median age 10.4 years）. Initial presentation, medical history, imaging workups, surgical approaches, complications, rates of recurrence were evaluated. Results:Major salivary gland lesions were most common（n=24, 80%）; 53.3%（16 of 30） arising in the submandibular glands and 26.7%（8 of 30） in the parotid. Minor salivary gland lesions（n=6, 20%） were removed from the palate, tongue, face, trachea, nasopharynx, and upper mediastinumand. Preoperative imaging was reviewed in all patients and consisted of 26 ultrasound exams, 2 computerized tomography（CT） exams, and 15 magnetic resonance imaging（MRI） exams. Fine needle aspiration biopsy was performed in 12 patients. Surgical excision was performed in all patients. Postoperative complications included transient facial paresis（n=3）, Pneumonia and pleural effusion（n=1）. Average length of follow-up was 36.7 months; confirmed recurrence occurred in one patients. Conclusion:The symptoms of salivary gland pleomorphic adenoma in children are different according to the location of the tumor. The treatment is complete surgical resection, and a small amount of normal tissue around the tumor should be removed to reduce recurrence.
Humans ; Male ; Female ; Child ; Adenoma, Pleomorphic/diagnosis* ; Adolescent ; Retrospective Studies ; Salivary Gland Neoplasms/diagnosis* ; Child, Preschool ; Infant ; Neoplasm Recurrence, Local

Objective:Traditional salivary gland surgery involves incisions in the visible facial and cervical regions, leaving postoperative scars that affect cosmesis. This study aims to investigate the clinical efficacy, safety, and application value of robot-assisted endoscopic resection of benign submandibular and parotid gland lesions via a postauricular approach, while clarifying its advantageous differences compared with endoscopic surgery. Methods:Clinical data of 23 patients who underwent robot-assisted endoscopic surgery via a postauricular approach（11 parotid gland cases and 12 submandibular gland cases） from January 2017 to February 2025 were retrospectively analyzed. Meanwhile, A matched control group of patients who received postauricular endoscopic surgery during the same period was selected as the control group in a 1∶1 ratio（11 parotid gland cases and 12 submandibular gland cases）. Indicators such as operation time, intraoperative blood loss, complications, and postoperative aesthetic satisfaction scores（Numeric Satisfaction Scale, NSS） were collected and compared between the two groups. The inclusion criteria were limited to benign lesions of the parotid superficial lobe（diameter ≤5 cm, without deep lobe involvement） and benign submandibular gland lesions（diameter ≤4 cm, without extension through the mylohyoid muscle）. Results:All robot-assisted surgeries were successfully completed without conversion to open surgery. In the robot group, there were 7 male patients（mean age 39.5 years） and 16 female patients（mean age 35.9 years）. For parotid gland surgeries, the mean operation time was （114.00±38.35） minutes. For submandibular gland surgeries, the mean operation time was（140.00±30.75） minutes.Temporary facial paralysis occurred in 0 of patients after robotic submandibular gland surgery （vs.8% in the endoscopic group） and 18% after robotic parotid gland surgery （vs.27 % in the endoscopic group）,all of which resolved within 1 month, with no occurrence of salivary fistula or infection. Patients had high aesthetic satisfaction（NSS scores: 8.90±1.20 for parotid surgeries and 9.00±0.70 for submandibular surgeries）. No tumor recurrence was observed during the 8-77 month follow-up period. Conclusion:Robot-assisted endoscopic salivary gland surgery via a postauricular approach is safe and feasible. With three-dimensional high-definition visualization and precise mechanical manipulation, it outperforms traditional endoscopic surgery in reducing blood loss, lowering the risk of nerve injury, and achieving long-term cosmetic outcomes. It is particularly suitable for young patients and cases with benign lesions of the parotid superficial lobe or submandibular gland that have high aesthetic demands. However, this surgical approach is not suitable for deep parotid lobe tumors, and its long-term efficacy requires verification through large-sample studies.
Humans ; Robotic Surgical Procedures/methods* ; Retrospective Studies ; Endoscopy/methods* ; Submandibular Gland/surgery* ; Parotid Gland/surgery* ; Female ; Male ; Operative Time ; Salivary Glands/surgery* ; Adult ; Middle Aged

Tricellulin, a key tricellular tight junction (TJ) protein, is essential for maintaining the barrier integrity of acinar epithelia against macromolecular passage in salivary glands. This study aims to explore the role and regulatory mechanism of tricellulin in the development of salivary gland hypofunction in Sjögren's syndrome (SS). Employing a multifaceted approach involving patient biopsies, non-obese diabetic (NOD) mice as a SS model, salivary gland acinar cell-specific tricellulin conditional knockout (Tric^CKO) mice, and IFN-γ-stimulated salivary gland epithelial cells, we investigated the role of tricellulin in SS-related hyposalivation. Our data revealed diminished levels of tricellulin in salivary glands of SS patients. Similarly, NOD mice displayed a reduction in tricellulin expression from the onset of the disease, concomitant with hyposecretion and an increase in salivary albumin content. Consistent with these findings, Tric^CKO mice exhibited both hyposecretion and leakage of macromolecular tracers when compared to control animals. Mechanistically, the JAK/STAT1/miR-145 axis was identified as mediating the IFN-γ-induced downregulation of tricellulin. Treatment with AT1001, a TJ sealer, ameliorated epithelial barrier dysfunction, restored tricellulin expression, and consequently alleviated hyposalivation in NOD mice. Importantly, treatment with miR-145 antagomir to specifically recover the expression of tricellulin in NOD mice significantly alleviated hyposalivation and macromolecular leakage. Collectively, we identified that tricellulin deficiency in salivary glands contributed to hyposalivation in SS. Our findings highlight tricellulin as a potential therapeutic target for hyposecretion, particularly in the context of reinforcing epithelial barrier function through preventing leakage of macromolecules in salivary glands.
Sjogren's Syndrome/complications* ; Animals ; Xerostomia/etiology* ; Mice ; Mice, Inbred NOD ; MARVEL Domain Containing 2 Protein/metabolism* ; Humans ; Mice, Knockout ; Disease Models, Animal ; Interferon-gamma ; Salivary Glands/metabolism* ; Tight Junctions/metabolism* ; MicroRNAs/metabolism* ; Female

Xerostomia (dry mouth) is frequently experienced by patients treated with radiotherapy for head and neck cancers or with Sjögren's syndrome, with no permanent cure existing for this debilitating condition. To this end, in vitro platforms are needed to test therapies directed at salivary (fluid-secreting) cells. However, since these are highly differentiated secretory cells, the maintenance of their differentiated state while expanding in numbers is challenging. In this study, the efficiency of three reversible thermo-ionically crosslinked gels: (1) alginate-gelatin (AG), (2) collagen-containing AG (AGC), and (3) hyaluronic acid-containing AG (AGHA), to recapitulate a native-like environment for human salivary gland (SG) cell expansion and 3D spheroid formation was compared. Although all gels were of mechanical properties comparable to human SG tissue (~11 kPa) and promoted the formation of 3D spheroids, AGHA gels produced larger (>100 cells/spheroid), viable (>93%), proliferative, and well-organized 3D SG spheroids while spatially and temporally maintaining the high expression of key SG proteins (aquaporin-5, NKCC1, ZO-1, α-amylase) for 14 days in culture. Moreover, the spheroids responded to agonist-induced stimulation by increasing α-amylase secretory granules. Here, we propose alternative low-cost, reproducible, and reversible AG-based 3D hydrogels that allow the facile and rapid retrieval of intact, highly viable 3D-SG spheroids.
Humans ; Hydrogels/chemistry* ; Acinar Cells/cytology* ; Spheroids, Cellular/cytology* ; Salivary Glands/cytology* ; Gelatin/chemistry* ; Collagen/chemistry* ; Alginates/chemistry* ; Cell Culture Techniques/methods* ; Hyaluronic Acid/chemistry* ; Cell Proliferation ; Cell Survival ; Cells, Cultured

The emergence of sialoendoscopy has fundamentally altered and has played a huge role in the diagnosis and treatment of salivary gland diseases. However, nationwide, the number of oral and maxillofacial surgeons skilled in the use of sialoendoscopy is very small, which limits its further promotion and application. No standardized training program is currently available for sialoendoscopy in domestic stomatology colleges, and the content and assessment standards of relevant training needs further improvement. Based on relevant clinical and teaching experience, this paper emphasizes the important role of clinical application and skill training for sialoendoscopy, with the aim of promoting the popularization and development of sialoendoscopic therapy.
Humans ; Endoscopy/methods* ; Clinical Competence ; Salivary Gland Diseases/diagnosis*

A 57-year-old woman with a 2-year history of a left infra-auricular mass with no associated symptoms presented with a 6.0 cm ´ 4.0 cm ´ 3.0 cm firm, non-tender, movable mass. No imaging was done. Fine needle aspiration biopsy (FNAB) revealed sheets of epithelial cells that had abundant dense grayish-blue cytoplasm in a mucinous background with abundant lymphocytes (Figure 1), suggestive of salivary gland neoplasm with oncocytic or oncocytoid features (Category IVB, Salivary Gland Neoplasm of Uncertain Malignant Potential).Total parotidectomy revealed a 4.3 X 3.2 X 3.0 cm deep lobe lesion with a tan-grey to dark brown, smooth and dull external surface. Cut sections showed a cream-white to pink, lobulated, heterogenous cut surfaces. Microscopically, the lesion was unencapsulated with poorly demarcated borders. The neoplastic cells were arranged in haphazard sheets and surrounded by abundant lymphocytes. The tumor cells had abundant eosinophilic and granular cytoplasm compatible with oncocytes with mild to moderate nuclear atypia. There were occasional cystic spaces that contained mucin though mucocytes were not readily apparent. (Figure 2) Necrosis, perineural and lymphovascular space invasion or anaplasia were not evident.
Carcinoma, Mucoepidermoid ; Salivary Gland Neoplasms ; Parotid Gland

Sialolithiasis occurs in approximately 0.45% to 1.20% of the general population. The typical clinical symptom manifests as a painful swelling of the affected glands after a meal or upon salivary stimulation, which extremely affects the life quality of the patients. With the development of sialendoscopy and lithotripsy, most sialoliths can be successfully removed with preservation of the gland. However, sialoliths in the deep hilar-parenchymal submandibular ducts and impacted parotid stones located in the proximal ducts continue to pose great challenges. Our research center for salivary gland diseases (in Peking University School and Hospital of Stomatology) has used sialendoscopy for 17 years and treated >2 000 patients with salivary gland calculi. The success rate was approximately 92% for submandibular gland calculi and 95% for parotid calculi. A variety of minimally invasive surgical techniques have been applied and developed, which add substantial improvements in the treatment of refractory sialolithiasis. Further, the radiographic positioning criteria and treatment strategy are proposed for these intractable stones. Most of the hilar-parenchymal submandibular stones are successfully removed by a transoral approach, including transoral duct slitting and intraductal basket grasping, while a small portion of superficial stones can be removed by a mini-incision in submandibular area. Impacted stones located in the distal third of parotid gland ducts are removed via "peri-ostium incision", which is applied to avoid a cicatricial stenosis from a direct ostium incision. Impacted parotid stones located in the middle and proximal third of the Stensen's duct are removed via a direct mini-incision or a peri-auricular flap. A direct transcutaneous mini-incision is commonly performed under local anesthesia with an imperceptible scar, and is indicated for most of impacted stones located in the middle third, hilum and intraglandular ducts. By contrast, a peri-auricular flap is performed under general anesthesia with relatively larger operational injury of the gland parenchyma, and should be best reserved for deeper intraglandular stones. Laser lithotripsy has been applied in the treatment of sialolithiasis in the past decade, and holmium ∶YAG laser is reported to have the best therapeutic effects. During the past 3 years, our research group has performed laser lithotripsy for a few cases with intractable salivary stones. From our experiences, withdrawal of the endoscopic tip 0.5-1.0 cm away from the extremity of the laser fiber, consistent saline irrigation, and careful monitoring of gland swelling are of vital importance for avoidance of injuries of the ductal wall and the vulnerable endoscope lens during lithotripsy. Larger calculi require multiple treatment procedures. The risk of ductal stenosis can be alleviated by endoscopic dilation. In summary, appropriate use of various endoscopy-assisted lithotomy helps preserve the gland function in most of the patients with refractory sialolithiasis. Further studies are needed in the following aspects: Transcervical removal of intraglandular submandibular stones, intraductal laser lithotripsy of impacted parotid stones and deep submandibular stones, evaluation of long-term postoperative function of the affected gland, et al.
Humans ; Salivary Gland Calculi/surgery* ; Constriction, Pathologic ; Endoscopy ; Salivary Ducts/surgery* ; Lithotripsy ; Treatment Outcome

More than 30 years of rapid development of endoscopic surgery has led to the mainstreaming of this procedure in many surgical departments in China. Since the first report on endoscopy, it has been used in salivary gland resection for more than 20 years. The overall development of endoscopic surgery indicates that its use in oral and maxillofacial surgery is still in the early exploration stage; it has not yet been maturely developed or applied. Owing to the advancement of other disciplines and corresponding widening experiences in those fields, the development of endoscopic technology in oral and maxillofacial surgery will likely achieve a leapfrogging. Learning from the general development pattern of endoscopy, this research explores the application history, current situation, and future direction of the application of endoscopy in salivary gland surgery.
Endoscopy/methods* ; Endoscopes ; Salivary Glands/surgery* ; China

OBJECTIVES: This study aims to investigate the effects of tumor-stromal fibroblasts (TSFs) on the proliferation, invasion, and migration of salivary gland pleomorphic adenoma (SPA) cells in vitro. METHODS: Salivary gland pleomorphic adenoma cells (SPACs), TSFs, and peri-tumorous normal fibroblasts (NFs) were obtained by tissue primary culture and identified by immunocytochemical staining. The conditioned medium was obtained from TSF and NF in logarithmic phase. SPACs were cultured by conditioned medium and treated by TSF (group TSF-SPAC) and NF (group NF-SPAC). SPACs were used as the control group. The proliferation, invasion, and migration of the three groups of cells were detected by MTT, transwell, and scratch assays, respectively. The expression of vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) in the three groups was tested by enzyme linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA). RESULTS: Immunocytochemical staining showed positive vimentin expression in NF and TSF. Results also indicated the weak positive expression of α-smooth muscle actin (SMA) and fibroblast activation protein (FAP) in TSFs and the negative expression of α-SMA and FAP in NFs. MTT assay showed that cell proliferation in the TSF-SPAC group was significantly different from that in the NF-SPAC and SPAC groups (P<0.05). Cell proliferation was not different between the NF-SPAC and SPAC groups (P>0.05). Transwell and scratch assays showed no difference in cell invasion and migration among the groups (P>0.05). ELISA showed that no significant difference in VEGF expression among the three groups (P>0.05). CONCLUSIONS TSFs may be involved in SPA biological behavior by promoting the proliferation of SPACs but has no effect on the invasion and migration of SPACs in vitro. Hence, TSF may be a new therapeutic target in SPA treatment.
Humans ; Adenoma, Pleomorphic/metabolism* ; Vascular Endothelial Growth Factor A ; Culture Media, Conditioned/metabolism* ; Fibroblasts/metabolism* ; Salivary Glands/metabolism*