title: Crystalloids in submandibular sialadenitis.
abstract: Fine needle aspiration cytology of the salivary glands plays an important role in the diagnosis of neoplastic and non neoplastic lesions of salivary gland. Crystalloids in salivary gland lesions are a rare occurrence. A case of submandibular sialomegaly in an elderly patient with a clinical suspicion of metastasis was subjected to FNAC which showed crystalloids morphologically resembling amylase occurring in a background of sialadenitis. These crystals are non birefrigent, eosinophilic structures with a variety of geometric shapes including needles, rods, rectangular structures that do not stain with mucin stains. Other important crystalloids which can be observed in neoplastic and non-neoplastic salivary gland lesions are tyrosine-rich crystalloids, collagenous crystalloids, and oxalate crystals. These can be distinguished both morphologically and on the basis of several staining techniques in addition to biochemical studies. FNAC plays a major role in the diagnosis of these lesions and helps in avoiding unnecessary surgery.
authors.affiliation: Department of Pathology, St. John's Medical College, Bangalore, 560034 India.
authors.forename: B N
authors.initials: BN
authors.lastname: Nandeesh
authors.affiliation: Department of Pathology, St. John's Medical College, Bangalore, 560034 India.
authors.forename: Julian A
authors.initials: JA
authors.lastname: Crasta
keywords: Amylase; Crystalloids; Sialadenitis; Tyrosine rich