Neoplasm

Abstract

The diagnostic category “neoplasm” is a true reflection of what is encountered in the daily practice of salivary gland fine-needle aspiration (FNA). It is divided into two subcategories: (1) benign neoplasm and (2) salivary gland neoplasm of uncertain malignant potential (SUMP). The former category includes common benign neoplasms that are diagnosed with high specificity such as pleomorphic adenoma and Warthin tumor, whereas the latter includes tumors where a specific diagnosis and differentiation between a benign and usually low-grade malignant neoplasm is not possible due to inherent cytomorphologic features or to limited cytologic material. FNA cases diagnosed as SUMP will mandate a differential diagnosis that includes both benign and malignant entities. In The Milan System for Reporting Salivary Gland Cytopathology, the risk of malignancy (based on review of the literature) for the benign neoplasm and SUMP categories is <5% and 35%, respectively.