Three new cases of salivary duct carcinoma in the palate: A radiologic investigation and review of the literature

Abstract

Salivary duct carcinoma (SDC) is a rare, extremely aggressive malignancy arising in the ductal epithelium of the salivary glands. Radiologic investigations of and reports on minor salivary gland SDC are very rare. We present 3 cases of SDC of the palate with the attendant radiologic features and clinicopathologic findings. We also review English-language reports with radiologic findings regarding SDC and minor salivary gland SDC. MR imaging findings such as low signal intensity on T2-weighted images, infiltrative margins, and poor enhancement, in particular, should be recognized as indicators of high-grade malignancy such as SDC and, as such, should be considered when making a differential diagnosis.