ABSTRACT
Answers to multiple choice questions 1. B, E There are around 450 minor salivary glands in the upper aerodigestive tract. Although they are present in the nasal cavity, sinuses and larynx, the majority reside in the lip, tongue and palate. Overall, they contribute about 10% of salivary flow. The vast majority of minor salivary gland tumours are malignant. This is in contrast to lesions of the parotid gland. Although small tumours (<1 cm) may be excised to achieve a biopsy, larger lesions should be managed initially with an incisional biopsy. This confirms the diagnosis and guides appropriate therapy. Surgery is the preferred option for benign or malignant lesions, with reconstruction as dictated by the anatomical site and extent of disease.
