Minor salivary gland biopsy: A less invasive technique and applications

Minor salivary gland biopsy (MSGB) plays a pivotal role in the classification and diagnosis of Sjögren's disease, one of the most prevalent systemic autoimmune disorders within the spectrum of rheumatic diseases. Furthermore, it provides valuable phenotypic information about the patient, contributes to the assessment of disease prognosis, and serves as a reliable tool for monitoring therapeutic response. MSGB is also useful in the diagnosis of amyloidosis, sarcoidosis, IgG4 disease, or lymphoma. In recent years, less invasive techniques have become increasingly widespread and have been proposed as highly accessible procedures for rheumatologists-straightforward to perform and associated with minimal or no complications. Consequently, MSGB has become a key diagnostic and follow-up tool in the comprehensive management of the disease.