Histomorphological spectrum of salivary gland tumors in a tertiary care hospital—A retrospective study

Abstract

Background: Salivary gland tumors are rare, accounting for 3–10% of the total tumors of head and neck region. Approximately 80% of the salivary gland tumors are found in the parotid gland and 10–15% in the submandibular gland. Around 80% of parotid tumors and 50% of submandibular tumors are benign. Salivary gland tumors can show a striking range of morphological diversity between different tumor types and sometimes within an individual tumor mass. Hence, it is important to identify various histomorphological patterns and classify them accordingly. Objectives: The aim of this study was to recognize various histomorphological patterns of salivary gland tumors, their frequency, age, and site distribution. Materials and Methods: It was a retrospective study of 96 cases of salivary gland tumors, diagnosed on histopathological examination over a period of 2 years (July 2012 to June 2014) in the Department of Pathology of a tertiary care hospital. Histopathological examination was done on formalin fixed, paraffin embedded tissue sections stained with hematoxylin and eosin. Result: Out of 96 cases, 60 (62.5%) were benign and 36 (37.5%) were malignant. Benign tumors were frequent in the 3rd and 4th decade, whereas malignant tumors were common in 4th and 5th decades of life. Male:female ratio was 1.6:1. The most common site of occurrence for both benign and malignant tumors was the parotid gland. Pleomorphic adenoma was the most common benign tumor. Mucoepidermoid carcinoma (36.1%) was the most common malignant salivary gland tumor. Parotid was the most common site for mucoepidermoid carcinoma. Conclusion: Salivary gland tumors are relatively rare. Benign salivary gland tumors are more common than malignant ones. There is a male preponderance. The Parotid gland is the commonest site for occurrence of salivary gland tumors. Pleomorphic adenoma is the most frequent benign tumor whereas mucoepidermoid carcinoma is the most common malignant tumor of salivary glands. Histopathological examination is mandatory in the diagnosis of salivary gland tumors as they have a very wide spectrum of morphological patterns.