Changes in the classification of malignant salivary gland tumours across the last three WHO editions

This article explores the evolution of the classification of malignant salivary gland tumours (MSGTs) over the years, focusing on the last three editions of the World Health Organization (WHO) texts-the third, fourth and fifth editions. It describes changes in the nomenclature of entities, the incorporation of new entities, and the removal of others. The reasons underlying the modification of existing entity names are also presented, along with an examination of the rationale for their exclusion from the classification and the persistence of these designations in the scientific literature, as well as in clinical and academic discussions. In addition, the nature and clinicopathological characteristics of the newly recognised entities are examined. This detailed analysis not only documents the observed changes but also provides insight into the reasons justifying them and the clinical implications associated with the evolving classification of these tumours.