Oral sialocysts

Abstract

Epithelial-lined sialocysts of the minor oral salivary glands are rare when compared with the common mucous retention phenomenon or mucocele. One hundred twenty cases are reported and segregated into three distinct subtypes on the basis of clinicopathologic features. The true mucous retention cyst was most prevalent, occurring in patients older than 20 years, with no sex predilection. The floor of the mouth was the most common site. Reactive oncocytoid cysts arose in elderly patients and were more common among women. The buccal mucosa-mandibular vestibule was the favored site. Mucopapillary cysts are rare and may be confused histologically with low-grade mucoepidermoid tumors.