Page 147 - New epidemiological and PSMA-expression based paradigms in salivary gland tumors
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The tubarial glands paper: A starting point. A reply to comments
 Figure 4: Alcian blue staining of the auditory tube deep to the tubarial gland, showing mucine in the glands of the pharyngeal wall, near/possibly as part of the tubarial gland.
If the newly described gland structures have a similar PSMA-expression profile,
similar histology as the sublingual glands, with a similar amylase absence on IHC,
similar multiple draining ducts, and a similar profile of benign and malignant
tumors, according to the WHO International Classification of Diseases for
Oncology (ICD-O), one could say there are sufficient arguments to call these
glands salivary glands. But we do agree that further characterization of the tubarial
gland fluid and its course downwards through the pharynx and over the dorsal
tongue would provide more insight in its function and contribution to the saliva
in the oral cavity. 9
In conclusion, we think that the arguments in favor of a classification of the tubarial glands as salivary glands outperform the arguments against it. We again emphasize the fact that the major/minor gland classification system has its limitations. However, we thankfully endorse the suggestions that were made for further characterization of this newly interpreted part of the salivary glands system, not only for academical reasons, but also to better understand the potential benefit for head and neck cancer patients.
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