Neoplasms of the salivary glands: analysis of 727 histopathological reports in a single institution.

INTRODUCTION

Salivary gland tumors comprise three to ten percent of all head and neck tumors. The parotid gland is affected most often (64-80%). Malignant tumors constitute a minority, occurring in 15-32% of cases. Pleomorphic adenoma is the most common benign tumor, while mucoepidermoid carcinoma is a malignant neoplasm characterized by the highest incidence.

OBJECTIVES

The objective of this study was to conduct a cross-sectional study of all salivary gland tumors diagnosed in a tertiary hospital in the period between 1995 and 2013.

METHODS

We reviewed all salivary gland histopathological reports completed at a single institution. Patient demographics and clinical data were analyzed. We used Pearson's chi-square test (χ2) to determine statistical significance for the variables.

RESULTS

Neoplastic lesions amounted to 271 cases (37,27%). Pleomorphic adenoma was the most frequent benign tumor, while mucoepidermoid carcinoma was the most commonly found malignant tumor. Parotid gland showed a clear, statistically significant (p=0.045) preponderance of benign tumors. Age was the only predictor of malignancy (OR 1.03).

CONCLUSION

The present study is in agreement with the current literature regarding the most frequent types of tumors, incidence according to a type of gland and gender.