Introduction: Tumors of the salivary glands are morphologically very diverse and according to the WHO classification there are 11 benign and 20 malignant types of tumors. They are all of different genesis and histological structure. In addition, stones are often found in many tumors (macroscopically or by histological examination), which according to many authors are formed on the background of chronic inflammation.

Aim: To investigate the expression of markers of inflammation and apoptosis in the tissues of benign and malignant tumors of the salivary glands.

Materials and methods: 20 samples of salivary gland tumors (10 benign and 10 malignant). To achieve the aim, research methods such as histological, immunohistochemical, statistical data processing and literature review were used. Among the markers Bax (as a marker of apoptosis), CD68 (to detect chronic inflammation), MPO (as a marker of acute inflammation) were used.

Results: Histological examination besides the morphological confirmation of the tumor process revealed also that the salivary glands were enlarged, had phenomena of inflammation, plethora and edema, signs of chronic inflammation and sclerotic changes in the tissue, systemic dilatation of the ducts, focal mixed cell inflammatory infiltrates and dyscirculatory changes. In the immunohistochemical study, weak (25%) MPO expression was present in only 8 of 20 cases (35%). Bax expression was detected in 80% of cases (more pronounced in the parenchyma), with a greater amount of expression in the tissues of benign tumors of the salivary glands. CD68 expression was present in 100% of cases and was pronounced in both the stroma and parenchyma of the gland.

Conclusions: Analyzing results of the research we can make the following conclusions:
1. In the tissues of tumors of the salivary glands there is no acute inflammation.
2. The processes of apoptosis develop in both benign and malignant tumors, but in benign tumors this process is more pronounced.
3. In all tumors there are pronounced signs of chronic inflammation, which is confirmed by both histological and immunohistochemical methods.