Salivary Glands

Salivary glands are of utmost importance for several physiological functions ranging from the protection of teeth and surrounding soft tissues to the lubrication of the oral cavity, which is crucial for speech and perception of food taste. This publication highlights specific aspects of salivary gland development, investigating the mechanisms involved in embryonic development, the current research in stem cells, the ability of adult glands to regenerate and the signalling pathways involved in this process. Key stages of salivary gland development, moving from initiation to differentiation of the glands, are discussed, as well as unusual adaptations, ranging from making silk to making venom. The book finally provides new data on surgical techniques and diagnostic tools for clinicians involved in salivary gland disorders. Researchers and students with an interest in craniofacial sciences as well as clinicians dealing with salivary gland disorders will find this publication an excellent source of up-to-date information.

Co-edited by Eugene N. Myers, a world-famous expert in the field, this has got to be the last word on salivary gland disorders. The disorders themselves cover a broad array of diseases, both benign and malignant. Thus, the contents of this book have been organized to reflect the diverse nature of salivary gland anatomy, physiology, and dysfunction in various states of disease. In this way, the evolution of the field and its diagnostic and therapeutic management are better demonstrated. Covering everything from practical diagnosis to gland tumor therapy, this really is a crucial work for any surgeon working in the facial or neck regions.

Textbook and Color Atlas of Salivary Gland Pathology: Diagnosis and Management provides its readers with a new, landmark text/atlas of this important discipline within oral and maxillofacial surgery, otolaryngology/head and neck surgery, and general surgery. Written by well-established clinicians, educators, and researchers in oral and maxillofacial surgery, this book brings together information on the etiology, diagnosis and treatment of all types of salivary gland pathology. Clear and comprehensive, the Textbook and Color Atlas of Salivary Gland Pathology offers complete explanation of all points, supported by a wealth of clinical and surgical illustrations to allow the reader to gain insight into every facet of each pathology and its diagnosis and treatment.

Over the last 25 years it has become more and more evident that salivary gland pathology is by far the subject within head and neck pathology that causes most diagnostic challenges and problems for general pathologists. During courses the author has given, consultants and trainees alike have expressed the lack of a comprehensive, useful book on salivary gland pathology. Such a book needs to be broad and to illustrate almost every variant of all tumor entities. Another important feature to incorporate is the newly gained knowledge about genetics in salivary gland tumors, a knowledge that has emerged during the last 3-4 years only (and is growing continuously). A mapping of the immunophenotypes of salivary gland tumors is neither available today and will greatly benefit in routine diagnostic work.

Health professionals are more and more aware of the importance of saliva for oral health and well-being. As saliva secretion is steadily compromised with advancing age, it becomes a factor of concern in societies with an aging population, especially with a growing number of people who keep their own teeth. The numerous functions of saliva, like antimicrobial activity, lubrication, wound healing and its role in taste experience are only truly recognized when saliva secretion is hampered. In medical diagnostics, saliva shows its value as a safe and economical alternative to blood. This publication provides a comprehensive overview of the latest developments in salivary research by some of the world’s leading experts in the field. Chapters deal with various aspects: anatomy and physiology, e.g. regeneration of salivary glands, saliva functions, e.g. its protective and rheological properties, and diagnostics and disorders, e.g. xerostomia and hypersalivation. This book is not only recommended to basic scientists working in the field of oral biology, but also to dental students, dentists and health professionals who want to know more about one of the most underestimated bodily fluids.

Branching morphogenesis, the creation of branched structures in the body, is a key feature of animal and plant development. This book brings together, for the first time, expert researchers working on a variety of branching systems to present a state-of-the-art view of the mechanisms that control branching morphogenesis. Systems considered range from single cells, to blood vessel and drainage duct systems to entire body plans, and approaches range from observation through experiment to detailed biophysical modelling. The result is an integrated overview of branching.

The Second Edition of The Milan System for Reporting Salivary Gland Cytopathology, like the First Edition, represents a collaborative effort by a multidisciplinary group of cytopathologists, surgical pathologists, molecular pathologists, radiologists, and head and neck surgeons. This international group shares the goal of creating a practical and uniform reporting system for salivary gland fine needle aspiration (FNA). This book is organized into six general diagnostic categories: “Non-Diagnostic,” “Non-Neoplastic,” “Atypia of Undetermined Significance (AUS),” “Neoplasm: Benign,” “Neoplasm: Salivary Gland Neoplasm of Uncertain Malignant Potential (SUMP),” “Suspicious for Malignancy,” and “Malignant.” It includes definitions, morphologic criteria, and explanations for each of the diagnostic categories. Specific chapters are dedicated to the application of the latest available ancillary studies, radiologic features of salivary gland lesions, clinical management, and histological considerations including updates from the most recent 5th Edition WHO blue book. The Milan System for Reporting Salivary Gland Cytopathology 2nd Edition represents an essential step towards increasing the overall effectiveness of salivary gland FNA and fostering better communication between clinicians and between institutions to improve overall patient care.