Imaging of Minor Salivary Glands

Neoplastic and non-neoplastic lesions may involve the minor salivary glands. Tumors of minor salivary glands are commonly seen in the oral cavity. Malignant tumors are more common than benign minor salivary gland tumors. The most common malignant tumors are adenoid cystic carcinoma and mucoepidermoid carcinoma, and the most common benign tumor is pleomorphic adenoma. Non-neoplastic lesions may involve minor salivary glands such as Sjogrene disease, immunoglobulin G4-related disease, necrotizing sialometaplasia, and subacute necrotizing sialadenitis. Contrast MR imaging and computed tomography are adequate for localization and extension of neoplastic and non-neoplastic lesions of minor salivary glands.