Related Experiment Video
Updated: Apr 24, 2026
Author Spotlight: A Focus on Standardized Salivary Gland Ultrasound Protocol in Connective Tissue Disease Research
Published on: October 13, 2023
Histology of Minor Salivary Glands in Tonsillar Diseases
Nelli Vanhapiha1, Johanna Wikstén1, Enni Sanmark2
1Department of Otorhinolaryngology-Head and Neck Surgery Helsinki University Hospital Helsinki Finland.
Objectives:
To explore a possible difference in the histology of the minor salivary glands in the peritonsillar space between patients with peritonsillar abscess, acute tonsillitis, or tonsillar hypertrophy. To compare if there were remnants of possible changes in elevated serum amylase and its isoenzymes between these three groups to clarify the ambiguous etiology of peritonsillar abscess.
Methods:
This is a cross-sectional study, in which we analyzed 75 tonsil and blood samples collected from patients with peritonsillar abscess, acute tonsillitis, or tonsillar hypertrophy prior to tonsillectomy. Histological findings of minor salivary glands in peritonsillar space were examined. Serum C-reactive protein, serum amylase, and its isoenzymes (pancreatic type and the salivary type) were analyzed from blood samples collected in conjunction with tonsillectomy.
Results:
Minor salivary glands were present in 62 (82.7%) tonsil samples. Peritonsillar abscess group exhibited more periductal inflammation in the minor salivary glands (85.0%) than in the acute tonsillitis (70.6%) or hypertrophy group (28.0%) (p = 0.001). There was no difference in serum amylase (p = 0.864), pancreatic type amylase isoenzyme (p = 0.776), or salivary type amylase isoenzyme (p = 0.963) between the three groups.
Conclusion:
Peritonsillar abscess patients had more periductal inflammation in the minor salivary glands than acute tonsillitis or hypertrophy patients, suggesting that peritonsillar abscess may originate from an infection of the minor salivary glands. Blood samples for amylase isoenzymes should be collected during the acute phase of the disease to obtain additional information about the link between peritonsillar abscess and minor salivary gland activity.
Level Of Evidence:
3.
Related Concept Videos
01:30Tonsillitis I: Introduction
Etiology
Three primary contributing factors have been identified.
01:23Salivary Glands and Saliva
01:23Chronic Pharyngitis
Etiology
It often arises from persistent viral or bacterial infections affecting sinuses and tonsils.
Additional contributing factors include inadequate dental hygiene, mouth breathing, recurring tonsillitis, allergic rhinitis, laryngopharyngeal reflux, and exposure to smoke, chemicals, and other environmental pollutants. Allergic reactions to pollen, mold, and pet dander, chronic cough, excessive voice usage,...
01:26Tonsillitis II: Management
01:27Histology of the Small Intestine
The intestinal lining features transverse folds called circular folds, each housing fingerlike projections known as intestinal villi. These villi are covered by a layer of simple columnar epithelium, also referred to as...
01:18Lymphoid Cells and Tissues
Lymphoid cells consist of various types of immune system cells. These include B and T lymphocytes, which are responsible for producing antibodies and killing infected cells, respectively. Dendritic cells act as messengers between the innate and adaptive...