Minor Salivary Tumour Site — MFDS Part 1 MCQ

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ModerateOral PathologyMinor Salivary Tumour SiteMFDS Part 1

Considering both benign and malignant intraoral minor salivary gland neoplasms, which anatomical site is most commonly affected?

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Correct answer: A — Palate

The palate is the most common intraoral site for minor salivary gland neoplasms, with the hard palate—particularly its posterolateral region—frequently involved. This reflects the substantial concentration of minor salivary glands in the palatal mucosa. Both benign tumours, especially pleomorphic adenoma, and malignant tumours commonly arise there. The buccal mucosa and floor of the mouth are recognised sites but are less frequently affected overall. Minor salivary gland tumours can also occur in the tongue and lips; however, labial tumours more often involve the upper rather than the lower lip. Therefore, A is the single best answer.

Reference: Kokubun K, et al. Intraoral Minor Salivary Gland Tumors: A Retrospective, Clinicopathologic, Single-Center Study of 432 Cases in Japan and a Comparison with Epidemiological Data. Head and Neck Pathology. 2023;17(3):739-750. https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/37076754/