Tumors of the salivary gland include a wide range of benign and malignant neoplasms that can pose diagnostic challenges for both the cytopathologist and surgical pathologist. This course will use a case-based approach to discuss practical aspects of diagnosing major types of salivary gland tumors with particular emphasis on differential diagnosis, diagnostic problems, and pitfalls. While focusing on cytomorphology, the course will also integrate histopathology during individual case discussions. The complementary nature of fine needle aspiration cytology as well as the limitations of this technique will be discussed where relevant, and ancillary studies that are helpful in the diagnostic workup will also be covered.

Eight fine needle aspiration cases that include both cytologic material and corresponding histology will be used to initiate a discussion of the differential diagnosis and pitfalls of various types of salivary gland tumors. The case-based topics to be covered include: 1) Pleomorphic adenoma and matrix-containing mimics, 2) basaloid tumors, 3) oncocytic tumors, 4) cystic and mucinous tumors, 5) high-grade salivary gland tumors, 6) lymphoid lesions, 7) clear cell tumors, and 8) spindle cell lesions.

Upon completion of the course, participants should be able to: 1) recognize the characteristic cytologic and histologic features of commonly encountered as well as diagnostically challenging salivary gland tumors; 2) formulate a differential diagnosis and discuss the pitfalls in the cytologic and histologic diagnosis of salivary gland tumors; 3) understand the role and limitations of fine needle aspiration in the evaluation of salivary gland neoplasia; and 4) effectively use ancillary techniques in the cytologic and histologic evaluation of difficult salivary gland tumors.

The course is designed for advanced residents and general pathologists, as well as subspecialists in cytopathology and ENT pathology. Pre-registrants will receive a website address where electronic images of the study cases, including cytology and corresponding histology, will be available for viewing prior to the meeting. A comprehensive syllabus will be distributed at the course. After the meeting a CD-ROM of representative course material will be mailed to all registrants for the course.