Salivary gland disease in Sjögren's syndrome: sialoadenitis to lymphoma.

Although the cause and molecular pathways of Sjögren's syndrome are still unknown, basic, clinical, and translational science have started to identify linkages to other known processes. With the advent of newer, more sensitive, and more accurate chemokine, cytokine, and genetic analysis, the molecular progression of the disease may be understood. The modern technology of sialoendoscopy to treat obstructive sialoadenitis from mucous plugging, and the addition of rituximab to current chemotherapy, have allowed patients with Sjögren's syndrome to have a better quality of life and, if they develop lymphomatous changes, a significant increase in their disease remission and survival rate.