Adenomatoid hyperplasia of minor salivary glands: a systematic review

To systematically review available data regarding adenomatoid hyperplasia of minor salivary glands (AHMSG).

Electronic searches were performed in six databases and gray literature. The risk of bias was assessed using the Joanna Briggs Institute tool.

Forty studies reporting 121 cases of AHMSG were included. There is a male predominance (n = 72/64.29%), with individuals in their fourth and fifth decade of life being the most affected. The palate was the main anatomical location (n = 90/74.39%), and most lesions presented as single, asymptomatic nodules. The mean size of AHMSGs was 1.48 ± 0.77 cm, and the mean evolution time was 16.84 ± 25.67 months. Immunohistochemical evaluation in three cases (2.48%) showed a low labeling index for Ki-67 (n = 2/66.67%) and proliferating cell nuclear antigen (n = 1/33.33%).

AHMSG is an uncommon benign lesion with no tendency to recur after initial surgical removal. The main histological features include an abundant proliferation of glandular acini, occasional ductal dilation, and sometimes the presence of inflammatory infiltrate. Pathologists and clinicians should be aware of AHMSG, as it can closely resemble both benign and malignant salivary gland lesions.