Histopathologic investigation of minor salivary glands in iron deficiency anaemia

ABSTRACT

Labial minor salivary glands were investigated in 17 patients of both sexes suffering from iron deficiency anaemia; and 17 age and sex matched healthy subjects. The most pronounced changes were demonstrated in iron deficiency anaemia; where there was a significant decrease in the size of the maturation compartment cells which was due to reduced cyto-plasmic volume. Increased nucleo-cytoplasmic ratio was also observed. Tubular metaplasia with progressive acinar atrophy was also noted and induced reduction of salivary function. The observable qualitative changes in minor salivary glands could be-postulated as a warning signal for premalignancy in patients with iron deficiency anaemia. The histologic data of minor salivary gland involvement could be used as an aid for diagnosis and prognosis in iron deficient patients