PATHOMORPHOLOGICAL CHARACTERISTICS OF CHRONIC INFLAMMATORY DISEASES OF THE SALIVARY GLANDS

Chronic inflammatory diseases of the salivary glands represent a significant group of pathological conditions characterized by persistent inflammation, structural remodeling, and progressive functional impairment. These disorders, including chronic sialadenitis, autoimmune sialadenitis, and obstructive inflammatory conditions, exhibit diverse clinical manifestations and complex morphological patterns. The present study aims to analyze the pathomorphological features of chronic inflammatory diseases of the salivary glands through a comprehensive clinicopathological approach. A mixed-methods design was applied, integrating quantitative histopathological evaluation and qualitative morphological assessment of 94 biopsy specimens collected between 2019 and 2024. The findings reveal that chronic inflammation leads to acinar atrophy, ductal dilation, fibrosis, and lymphoplasmacytic infiltration, with variations depending on etiology. Autoimmune forms demonstrate prominent lymphoid follicle formation, while obstructive types show pronounced ductal changes. Statistical analysis indicates a strong correlation between disease duration and degree of fibrosis (r = 0.71). The study underscores the importance of early diagnosis and targeted therapeutic strategies to prevent irreversible glandular damage and improve patient outcomes.