title: Salivary gland biopsy: a comprehensive review of techniques and related complications.
abstract: OBJECTIVE
  This study proposes a revision of the literature on the current techniques employed in salivary gland biopsy.
  
  
  METHODS
  A systematic review of the literature between January 1990 and January 2010 was conducted using MEDLINE, Embase and the Cochrane Central Register of Controlled Trials. The search terms were: 'biopsy AND parotid AND Sjögren'; 'biopsy AND sublingual salivary gland AND Sjögren'; 'biopsy AND minor salivary gland AND Sjögren'; 'biopsy AND labial salivary gland AND Sjögren' and 'biopsy AND salivary glands AND connective disorders'.
  
  
  RESULTS
  No study reporting submandibular salivary gland biopsy was found; 3 studies reported sublingual salivary gland biopsy; 1 study reported palate biopsy; 4 studies reported parotid gland biopsy and 21 studies reported minor salivary gland biopsy.
  
  
  CONCLUSIONS
  Biopsy of salivary glands must be performed as last investigation and only when the other items are not complete enough to satisfy the diagnosis. The knowledge of complications and sequelae may be useful in order to minimize the risk.
authors.affiliation: Department of Head and Neck Pathology, Second University of Naples, Naples, Italy. giuseppe.colella@unina2.it
authors.forename: Giuseppe
authors.initials: G
authors.lastname: Colella
authors.forename: Rosangela
authors.initials: R
authors.lastname: Cannavale
authors.forename: Antonio
authors.initials: A
authors.lastname: Vicidomini
authors.forename: Angelo
authors.initials: A
authors.lastname: Itro
mesh_terms: D001706:Biopsy / Q000379:methods; D005069:Evaluation Studies as Topic; D006801:Humans; D012466:Salivary Gland Diseases / Q000473:pathology*; D012469:Salivary Glands / Q000473:pathology*; D012859:Sjogren's Syndrome / Q000473:pathology*