Epidemiological distribution of primary salivary gland tumors. Retrospective analysis in Baghdad Medical City

Abstract

Background: Studies on the incidence of salivary tumors around the world showed variations, including in Iraq. This study was intended to evaluate the relative incidence of these tumors among the Iraqi population. Materials and methods: The current retrospective study encompassed 109 cases retrieved from the file records of the pathology laboratory of Baghdad Medical City over a five-year period from January 2017 to December 2021. Information regarding age, gender, site, and tumor type was assembled and analyzed using a statistical package for social sciences (SPSS version 20). Results: The present study documented that salivary gland tumors represent 1.35% of the total sample studied. Approximately 56% were benign and 44% were malignant, with a ratio of benign to malignant was 1.27/1. The male-to-female ratio was 1/1. The prevalent benign tumor was pleomorphic adenoma, followed by Warthin's tumor. Warthin's tumor showed a predilection for male patients. The most common sites were the parotid gland (50%), palate (29%), and submandibular gland (10%), respectively. Regarding malignant tumors, adenoid cystic carcinoma ranked first followed by mucoepidermoid carcinoma. Conclusions: Salivary gland tumors chiefly arise in major salivary glands without sex predilection, with pleomorphic adenoma and adenoid cystic carcinoma being the most common salivary tumors.