Salivary gland neoplasms in non-human primates: A case series and brief literature review.

BACKGROUND

Salivary gland neoplasms are rare in non-human primates.

METHODS

Thirty-five years of pathology records were reviewed at the Southwest (SNPRC) and Yerkes (YNPRC) National Primate Research Centers. An in-depth literature search for salivary gland neoplasms in non-human primates was performed.

RESULTS

Seventeen salivary gland neoplasms (nine from SNPRC and YNPRC, eight from published literature) were identified. There were seven malignant, nine benign, and one of undetermined behavior identified in eight rhesus macaques, six baboons, a chimpanzee, a bonnet macaque, and a moustached tamarin. Parotid gland was the most frequent origin (n = 7), followed by mandibular (n = 4) or minor salivary glands (n = 2). Two animals with salivary gland adenoma had a history of prior radiation exposure.

CONCLUSIONS

Parotid glands are the most common origin for salivary gland neoplasms. Salivary gland neoplasms should be considered in the differential diagnoses of head and neck masses in non-human primates.