BIOPSY OF MINOR SALIVARY-GLANDS IN THE DIAGNOSIS OF SARCOIDOSIS

SARCOIDOSIS is a systemic disease that involves several organ systems and is characterized by the presence of noncaseating granulomas in each affected organ. Involvement of the lung or mediastinal lymph nodes is readily recognized by chest roentgenography, and biopsy of these tissues is likely to confirm the diagnosis.1 2 3 4 5 6 7 Visible skin lesions, oral lesions or enlarged peripheral lymph nodes, if present, provide a readily accessible site for biopsy.8 Organ systems that appear clinically normal, e.g., liver and lacrimal glands, may also demonstrate noncaseating granulomas if a random biopsy is performed.9 10 11 Sarcoidosis may affect the oral mucosa,12 gingiva,13 tongue,14 hard palate15,16 and. © 1979, Massachusetts Medical Society. All rights reserved.