[Salivary duct carcinoma: report of 6 cases and review of the literature].

PURPOSE: To summarize the clinicopathologic characteristics, treatment and prognosis of salivary duct carcinoma.

METHODS

Six cases of salivary duct carcinoma treated in our hospital were reported. And the literatures were reviewed. All cases were proved by operation and pathology. The clinical characteristics, histological features, therapeutic method and prognosis were analyzed.

RESULTS

Salivary duct carcinoma predominantly influenced old male patients and mainly occurred in the parotid gland. Physical examination revealed a firm, immobile and poorly defined mass accompanied by nerve infiltrated symptom. The histological appearance was characterized by solid cell nests with ductal structures and central comedonecrosis. Treatment required extensive resection and radical neck dissection with postoperative radiotherapy. The clinical course was marked by development of both local disease recurrence as well as cervical lymph node and distant metastasis.

CONCLUSIONS

Salivary duct carcinoma is a rare malignant salivary tumour with poor prognosis. Extensive resection is the key to improve the survival rate.