Heterotopic salivary tissue in the neck

Six cases of heterotopic salivary gland tissue in the anterolateral neck are presented with a review of their clinical and histopathologic characteristics. Neoplastic transformation, fistulization, and isolated rests represent a spectrum of these uncommon lesions. The embryologic derivation of salivary tissue and close association with the branchial apparatus are discussed. The significance of salivary carcinoma presenting in the neck is reinterpreted in light of the embryogenesis of these heterotopias.