Salivary gland neoplasms – At unusual sites: A study of seven cases

Abstract

Introduction: Salivary gland neoplasms represent neoplasms. Outcome is variable and is influenced by tumor type and anatomical location of the tumour. Minor salivary gland tumors (MSGTs) have a high recurrence rate (5-30%) when surgical removal is incomplete, and the possibility of malignant transformation must be taken into consideration. Aim: Scrutiny over the clinical behaviors, anatomical location, histological findings of the tumor and correlation with immunohistochemistry (IHC). Materials and Methods: Prospective evaluation of the minor salivary gland tumors (MSGTs) in a tertiary care center from January 2018 to June 2019. We studied the cases of minor salivary gland tumors. This comprised patient age and sex, the clinical characteristics and location of the tumor, the duration of the lesion, its size, the treatment provided, and the histopathological findings along with IHC. Results: Of the seven cases of MSGTs, there were pleomorphic adenomas, one in nasal cavity and two in parapharyngeal space and adenoid cystic carcinomas, three in nasal cavity and one in bronchus. Among those, four corresponded to females and three to males. Patients belonged mostly from fourth to sixth decade of life. We also have a younger age group of 10 years. The patients have undergone treatment and are still under follow up. Discussion and Conclusions: Minor salivary gland malignancies are rare tumors with varied histology and can occur in any age group including younger patients. Preoperative radiological assessment is very essential for the head and neck surgeon to know the pattern of spread and to remove the tumour completely so that there is least chance of recurrence. Keywords: Pleomorphic adenoma, Adenoid cystic carcinoma, Nasal cavity, Parapharyngeal space, Bronchus.