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An oncocytoma is a type of tumour that is usually benign and develops from oncocytes. These are epithelial cells that have a high concentration of mitochondria. These most often present in the kidneys, salivary glands or thyroid
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Oncocytoma
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Pilocytic astrocytomas are brain tumours which most commonly occur in children or young adults. They most often occur in the cerebellum
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Pilocytic astrocytoma
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Pleomorphic adenoma is the most common tumour of the parotid gland. It is a benign tumour, but in a very small minority of cases can become malignant. Signs of malignant tumours in the parotids are: fast-growth, pain, facial palsy and fixation
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Pleomorphic adenoma
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This is the most common malignant tumour of the lacrimal gland. However, it is less common than pleomorphic adenomas and is more likely to present in younger adults. It is more likely to present as fast-growing, painful, with possible accompanying facial palsy and fixation
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Adenoid cystic carcinoma
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Warthin's tumours are painless and slow growing. However, they are the second most common type of benign tumour occurring in the salivary gland. The most common is a pleomorphic adenoma
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Warthin's tumour
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why does it say superior to TMJ when the parotid gland in inferior?

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Dorsal Jaundice
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# Summary

Salivary gland tumours are neoplasms that can affect the parotid gland, submandibular gland, and sublingual glands. The majority of salivary gland tumours, approximately 80%, occur in the parotid gland and most are benign. The most common benign tumour is the Pleomorphic adenoma, while malignant tumours commonly present with invasion of other structures, such as the facial nerve causing a VII nerve palsy. It is generally recommended that persistent salivary gland swellings without a clear cause should be removed.

# Definition

Salivary gland tumours are abnormal growths of cells in the glands that produce saliva. These tumours can be benign or malignant and can affect any of the salivary glands including the parotid, submandibular, and sublingual glands.

# Epidemiology

- Tumours of the salivary gland can affect the parotid gland, submandibular gland, and sublingual glands.
- Approximately 80% of salivary gland tumours are located within the parotid gland, and 80% of these tumours are benign.

# Aetiology

The precise cause of salivary gland tumours is unknown, but it is thought to involve a combination of genetic and environmental factors.

# Signs and Symptoms

- Salivary gland tumours typically present as a lump or swelling in the affected gland.
- Malignant tumours often invade surrounding structures, leading to symptoms such as facial nerve palsy.

# Differential Diagnosis

Conditions that can present similarly to salivary gland tumours include:

- Sialadenitis: Inflammation of the salivary gland, usually caused by an infection. Symptoms include painful swelling of the gland, fever, and pus draining from the gland.
- Sialolithiasis: Presence of salivary stones in the gland. Symptoms include painful swelling, especially during meals, and possible infection of the gland.
- Sjogren's syndrome: An autoimmune disease that affects the salivary and tear glands. Symptoms include dry mouth and eyes, and swelling of the glands.

# Investigations

Investigations for suspected salivary gland tumours include:

- Biopsy: To determine the type of tumour and whether it is benign or malignant.
- Imaging studies: Such as ultrasound, CT, or MRI to assess the size and location of the tumour.

# Management

- For salivary gland swellings that have been present for over 1 month with no clear underlying cause, removal is typically recommended.
- Further management strategies depend on the type and stage of the tumour, and may include radiation therapy or chemotherapy for malignant tumours.

# References

[Click here for NICE CKS on neck lumps](https://cks.nice.org.uk/topics/neck-lump/)
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Ear, Nose & Throat
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Quesmed Tutorial: General Practice
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Pleomorphic adenoma is the most common benign tumour of the parotid gland, often presenting as a slow-growing, non-tender lump.
A 75-year-old woman visits her GP because she has noticed a facial swelling. This has occurred on the right side of her face and has been slowly growing over the last few months. On examination, the GP feels a small, non-tender, non-fixed lump superior to her right temporomandibular joint. She also notices a slight eversion of the right ear lobe.

What is the most likely cause of this lump?
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