OP152: Minor salivary gland tumors: A retrospective series of 28 adenoid cystic carcinoma cases

Abstract

Purpose Minor salivary gland tumours of the oral cavity represent 9–23% of all salivary gland tumours within the head and neck. Approximately 50% of minor salivary gland tumours are malignant, of which, Adenoid cystic carcinoma represents 14.8% of this subgroup in our series. It is an uncommon tumor characterized by slow growth and a high potential for recurrence. Treatment is primarily surgery and postoperative radiotherapy. We reviewed 28 consecutive patients in our department to discuss clinicopathologic features, management, and survival outcome. Materials and methods Between 1989 and 2012, 28 patients with adenoid cystic carcinoma of the minor salivary glands were treated at the University of Maryland Department of Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery. Data reviewed include demographics, tumor location, grade, stage, local/regional/distant recurrence, treatment and overall survival. Results Of 248 minor salivary gland tumours reviewed over a period of 23 years, 189 (76%) cases were malignant and 28 (14.8%) of adenoid cystic carcinoma were encountered. The mean age was 61.8 years (range 16–89 yrs), with no gender predilection. The majority occurred in the palate/maxilla (63%) and initial presentation was mostly Stage IV, based on involvement of adjacent structures. Mean follow up was 42.6 months. Recurrence rate was 22% over the observation period (two local, two loco-regional and two distant). Post operative radiation was administered to 11 patients (41%). Conclusion The palate/maxilla is the preferred location for occurrence and initial presentation at Stage IV is common. Inherent to ACC, a tendency for late recurrence is likely, despite a mean follow up of 42.6 months in this study. Postoperative radiation therapy appears to reduce the incidence of recurrence in comparison to patients who refused post operative radiation therapy.