This course focuses on the diagnostic approach and clinical implications in salivary gland pathology, one of the more challenging areas of surgical pathology. This course is designed for general surgical pathologists and pathologists-in-training at both small- and large-volume institutions faced with challenging salivary gland cases. This course will place emphasis on distinguishing benign from low-grade malignant lesions, identifying high-grade malignant lesions, the clinical significance of histopathologic interpretation, and recent insights and developments in salivary gland pathology.

The course layout consists of a series of case presentations that highlight commonly encountered diagnostic dilemmas in salivary gland pathology. This approach will provide a comprehensive overview of select non-neoplastic lesions, and benign and malignant tumors. Special emphasis will also be placed on inherently high-grade and biphasic salivary gland malignant neoplasms. Discussion of each entity will include histopathological features, differential diagnosis, utility of ancillary studies, impact on surveillance and management, and, when relevant, insight into molecular pathogenesis.

Upon completion of this educational activity, the participants should be able to: 1) Accurately diagnose benign and malignant salivary gland lesions; 2) Effectively use histochemical, immunohistochemical, and molecular techniques in challenging cases; 3) Understand which diagnoses merit additional surgery and/or adjuvant therapy; and 4) Enhance clinician-to-pathologist communication and reporting of salivary gland disease.

Virtual slides and micrographs, along with clinical histories, will be posted on the USCAP website for review by pre-registrants prior to the meeting. A comprehensive syllabus will be distributed at the course. All course registrants will also receive access to the PowerPoint presentations from the USCAP Annual Meeting along with the text portion of the syllabus available on the USCAP website after the meeting.

(NEW COURSE)