Abstract
The heterogeneity of salivary gland disease presents unique challenges for the pathologist, radiologist, and treating clinician in their pursuit of optimal patient care. Clinical history, physical exam, and information provided by imaging studies such as ultrasound, contrast-enhanced computed tomography, or magnetic resonance imaging with contrast, as well as fine-needle aspiration (FNA) contribute to the development of a management plan that can range from observation to limited or extensive surgical resection and possible adjuvant therapy. FNA has an established role in salivary gland diagnostics because it is able to provide valuable information regarding the nature of the salivary gland lesion. It is also quick, well tolerated with very few complications, and lends itself to rapid onsite evaluation when used in conjunction with clinical assessment and imaging studies. The clinical utility to surgical specialists of The Milan System for Reporting Salivary Gland Cytopathology can be summarized in clarity of communication, correlation and stratification of risk of malignancy, and definition of a management algorithm.