Distribution of minor salivary glands in the peritonsillar space.

ABSTRACT

Minor salivary glands can usually be found along the mucous membrane of the upper aerodigestive tract. Their presence in the peritonsillar space was of little interest until it was postulated that infection of Weber's gland (minor salivary gland at the superior pole of the peritonsillar space) might be the possible cause of peritonsillar abscess. This study was designed to examine the distribution of minor salivary glands in the peritonsillar space and their role in pathogenesis of peritonsillar abscess. Tonsillectomy specimens from fifty-five patients who were suffering from repeated tonsillitis, obstructive sleep apnea, tonsillar mass and peritonsillar abscess at Srinagarind Hospital from September 1995 to November 1996 were histologically examined. The locations of these minor salivary glands were found at the upper, middle, and lower portions of the peritonsillar space. This small sample study precludes any definitive statement regarding the association of Weber's gland and the pathogenesis of peritonsillar abscess.