Clinical Profile and Histopathological Pattern of Major Salivary Gland Tumors in a Nigerian Tertiary Hospital

Abstract

Abstract Background: Varieties of tumors can arise from major salivary glands primarily or secondarily. Over 30 histological subtypes have been documented by the World Health Organization, serving as a guide in diagnosis and management. Objectives: To evaluate the clinical and histological pattern of presentation of major salivary gland tumors. Materials and Methods: This is a clinical retrospective study, done at the University of Nigeria Teaching Hospital, Ituku-Ozalla, Enugu, Nigeria, assessing records of patients with major salivary gland tumors seen between January 2018 and December 2022. Data obtained were analyzed using Statistical Package for Social Sciences version 26. The results were presented in tables and charts and comparisons were made using the Chi-squared test. Results: Out of the 57 patients with major salivary gland tumors studied, 30 (52.6%) were benign tumors, and 27 (47.4%) were malignant tumors. About 63.2% of patients were predominantly females, whereas 36.8% were males with a male-to-female ratio of 1:1.7. The most common presenting symptom was swelling. The average duration of symptoms before presentation was 24 and 12 months for benign and malignant tumors, respectively. The parotid gland (61.4% total) was the most common site of tumor presentation for both benign and malignant tumors followed by the submandibular and sublingual the least. The most common histological variant was pleomorphic adenoma (40.4%) for benign and mucoepidermoid carcinoma (28.1%) for malignant. Surgery was the first line of treatment given. Conclusion: The observed pattern of clinical and histological presentation of major salivary gland tumors will guide clinicians on the approach for the management.