A 40-year-old woman presents with recurrent bilateral parotid swelling, xerophthalmia, and xerostomia. ANA and anti-SSA/SSB antibodies are positive. Minor salivary gland biopsy shows focal lymphocytic sialadenitis with a focus score ≥1. The most common malignancy that may develop in this condition is:

• A Mucoepidermoid carcinoma
• B Acinic cell carcinoma
• C Adenoid cystic carcinoma
• D MALT lymphoma (mucosa-associated lymphoid tissue lymphoma) ✓

Explanation

Sjögren's syndrome is associated with a markedly elevated risk (44-fold increased) of developing MALT lymphoma (extranodal marginal zone B-cell lymphoma of mucosa-associated lymphoid tissue) in the salivary glands, particularly the parotid. This complication should be suspected when there is asymmetric parotid enlargement or systemic symptoms. Primary salivary gland carcinomas like mucoepidermoid and adenoid cystic do not have a specific association with Sjögren's.

Reference: Dhingra Diseases of Ear, Nose and Throat, 7th ed.

High-yield for: NEET PGINI-CETNExTFMGEUSMLEPLABMRCP

Written and medically reviewed by the StethoPrep medical team.