Risk Factors and Prognosis for Myoepithelial Carcinoma of the Major Salivary Glands.

BACKGROUND

The clinical behavior and treatment outcomes of salivary gland myoepithelial carcinoma have yet to be clearly defined. The current study investigated risk factors and prognoses for this tumor.

METHODS

A retrospective review of the medical records for 32 patients with myoepithelial carcinoma of the major salivary glands was performed. Their clinical parameters were assessed to identify correlations with local-regional recurrence, distant metastasis, and survival.

RESULTS

The 5-year survival rate was 71 %. Of the reviewed patients, 41 % had local-regional recurrences, and 22 % had distant metastases. Age of 60 years or younger was a predictive factor for distant metastasis. Patients with neck lymph nodes clinically positive for carcinoma had shorter overall survival durations than those with nodes negative for carcinoma.

CONCLUSIONS

Myoepithelial carcinoma of the major salivary glands is characterized by a high incidence of local-regional recurrence and distant metastasis. Adjuvant therapy is indicated for selected patients with high-risk disease.