Spectrum of salivary gland tumors - A five year study

Introduction: Salivary gland tumors are common neoplasms of head and neck region. These tumors are complex and exhibit great clinicopathological variation which may show racial and geographical differences. Aim: The aim of the present study was to analyze the relative incidence, clinical presentation and the spectrum of neoplasms in the salivary glands at our institute which is a tertiary referral hospital in south India. Material and methods: A retrospective and prospective study of all salivary gland tumors which were received in the department of Pathology for histopathological examination at our institute during a 5 year period from March 2010 to February 2015 was done. The clinical data like age, sex and site of the tumor were recorded. Grossly representatitive bits from the tumor were processed, sections made, stained with H& E and examined microscopically. Data of 53cases recorded during the 5yr period was analyzed. Results: 53 cases were studied during the 5 year period. Of them 40 cases were benign neoplasms and 13 cases were malignant. The commonest site of presentation of benign tumors was the parotid gland whereas malignant tumors occurred more commonly in the minor salivary glands. Pleomorphic adenoma was the commonest benign neoplasm. Adenoid cystic carcinoma was the most common malignant neoplasm. Most of the benign tumors occurred in 4th decade while the malignant tumors were more common in the 6th decade. Conclusion: Benign tumors are more common than malignant tumors. The majority of benign tumors occurred in the major salivary glands whereas the minor salivary glands harbor malignant neoplasms.