Syringomatous adenocarcinoma of minor salivary glands

An intraoral adenocarcinoma showing syringomatous features is reported in a woman aged 71. The tumor, which appeared to arise in minor salivary glands, ulcerated the overlying epithelium. Histologically, it was composed of dilated ductal structures and, in deeper parts, of tumor nests, elongated cords and small ducts containing small lumina. In wide areas, neoplastic ducts were lined by flattened cells, resembling syringoma of the skin. Other ductal structures were lined by atypical columnar or squamous epithelium. Solid squamous islands and superficial small horny cysts were also observed. Salivary glands tumors with syringomatous features have rarely been reported. They probably represent a rare variant of salivary adenocarcinoma.