Salivary Gland Tumors - A Three Year Retrospective Study

ABSTRACT

Neoplastic lesions of salivary gland are uncommon and shows varied morphology. It comprises 5-6 % of all tumors of head and neck. Salivary neoplasms are more likely to occur in relatively old age (6th decade). Benign salivary gland tumors usually occur relatively earlier (4th-5th decade) than malignant tumors. Tumors of salivary glands usually present as mass in otherwise normal gland. Uncommon presenting complaints such as facial paralysis in presence of neoplastic growth usually suggest malignant tumor invading facial nerve. Our aim is to study the epidemiology, clinical presentation and distribution of various salivary glands in relation to their histopathology. Methods: This was a retrospective cross-sectional study conducted in the department of pathology of a tertiary care medical centre situated in an urban area. All the salivary gland tumor specimens which were received in the department over these years were studied by analyzing records from the department. Distribution of benign and malignant salivary gland tumors, their morphology and prognostic histological parameters were studied. Statistical analysis was done using SSPS 17.0 software, with P value being less than 0.05 as statistically significant. Results: Out of 80 studied cases there were 32 males and 48 females with a MF ratio of 11.5. The mean age in male and female patients was found to be 47.41 ± 15.18 and 46.72 ± 13.68 respectively. The difference in mean age of males and females was found to be statistically insignificant (P>0.05). parotid gland was most commonly involved site (68.75%) followed by submandibular gland (23.75%) and minor salivary glands (5%). Amongst benign pathologies pleomorphic adenoma was found to be the most common lesion encountered(31.25%) followed by warthin’s tumor (11.25%) and myoepithelioma (5%). The most common malignant tumor was mucoepidermoid carcinoma which was seen in 12 (17.50%) patients. Conclusion: Amongst all salivary glands, parotid gland was found to be most commonly affected. Most common benign and malignant tumors were found to be pleomorphic adenoma and mucoepidermoid carcinoma respectively.