The canalicular adenoma: considerations on differential diagnosis and treatment.

The canalicular adenoma is an uncommon, benign salivary gland neoplasm that usually occurs in or near the upper lip of elderly patients. A histologic study of 49 tumors revealed that they are often multifocal, may infiltrate their capsule, and are occasionally unencapsulated. Based on these findings, the method of treatment, as well as a differential diagnosis of minor salivary gland lesions, is discussed.