Fibroinflammatory pseudotumor of the submandibular gland.

BACKGROUND

Fibroinflammatory pseudotumors infrequently involve the major salivary glands. Much more is known regarding the clinical behavior of orbital pseudotumors, especially their steroid responsiveness.

METHODS

A case of fibroinflammatory pseudotumor involving the submandibular gland is presented with its preoperative cytologic and computed tomographic scan features. The lesion had a dramatic response to steroids for residual disease.

CONCLUSIONS

If preoperative cytologic features of benign spindle cells with an inflammatory component seen on fine-needle aspiration raise the possibility of fibroinflammatory pseudotumor, then responsiveness to high-dose steroids may preclude the need for more-extensive surgery.