Abstract
Sialography is an indispensable clinical examination of the salivary glands. It is however not yet elucidated enough on what kind of histopathological change in the salivary glands sialogram is based. In this study, the histopathology of submandibular gland was examined by sialogram in 25 cases of submandibular sialolithiasis. The result thus obtained is summarized as follows.
Some abnormal findings were obtained in all sialograms of the duct system and glandular parenchyma. These abnormal sialograms were divided into four types according to the nature of duct and parenchyma.
Dilated duct was due to the irregularity and enlargement of duct cavity. The irregularity or leakage of duct wall contour was attributable to the changes of duct epithelium.
Each glandular parenchyma of the four types of abnormal sialogram previously classified was compared to the corresponding histopathological findings.
Type I. The picture of glandular parenchyma was mainly consisted of maculor pattern. Histological changes of the duct and parenchyma were relatively mild. Acinus cells disappeared in some places around the duct and were replaced by lymphocytic cluster.
Type II. Leakage of the glandular parenchyma was frequently observed in the surroundings of peripheral duct. Lack of the duct wall, thinning, proliferation and/ or irregularity of the duct epithelium were seen. Acinus cells extensively disappeared and were replaced by inflammatory granulation tissue in general.
Type III. Leakage of the duct and parenchyma was remarkableand histopathological changes of the duct system were more severe than those of Type II. Acinus cells also extensively disappeared and were replaced by inflammatory glanulation tissue and fibrous tissue.
Type IV. Lack of the glandular parenchyma was extensively observed, while acinus cells almost disappeared and were replaced by the proliferated connective tissue in principle.
