Malignant lymphoma and salivary obstruction.

Salivary obstruction may result from growth of a malignant tumor in the vicinity of the salivary gland, as well as result from sialolithiasis. Lymphomas of all types, including Hodgkin disease, lymphosarcoma, and reticulum cell sarcoma frequently are diagnosed in the region of the head and neck. The biopsy of a suspected tumor should be done by multiple needle biopsies. Open biopsies should be avoided to prevent seeding and spreading. When the diagnosis of malignant lymphoma is made, the tumor must be classified histologically and the extent of disease must be determined and staged for proper treatment. Treatment should consist of radiation and chemotherapy. Surgery is of little value. Malignant lymphomas usually are disseminated widely and end fatally.