Salivary gland tumors: A review of 171 cases, with particular reference to histological types, site, age and gender distribution

Abstract

Background: Salivary tumors are uncommon, being of low incidence worldwide. This study aimed to assess cases collected in this series of salivary gland tumors in regard to histopathological typing, in relation to age, site and gender. Materials and methods: This is a retrospective study; cases were collected from public and private laboratories. A total number of 171 cases were collected. The slides were reviewed and reclassified for histopathological typing according to WHO classification 2005. Results: Benign tumors were more common than malignant tumors. The most common histological type was benign mixed tumor, followed by Warthin’s tumor. The most common malignant tumor was adenoid cystic carcinoma. One hundred twenty three cases out of 171 cases developed in the parotid, the most common site for salivary tumors, with a low risk for malignancy, while minor salivary glands show higher risk for malignancy. Salivary tumors developed in females more than males with a ration 1.4:1, the peak incidence in the sixth and seventh decades for both benign and malignant tumors. There was no significant difference between right and left tumors, bilateral tumors were uncommon. Conclusions: The results of this study reveal similarity to the findings of other studies on salivary tumors done in Iraq and the neighboring countries.