Tumors of the salivary glands

Abstract

1. 1. A series of 403 cases of salivary gland tumors seen over twenty-seven years at the Tata Memorial Hospital in Bombay are reviewed. 2. 2. Malignant tumors were relatively more frequent (204 malignant to 199 benign tumors). 3. 3. Mixed salivary gland tumors were the most common type (46 per cent) of salivary gland tumors. Adenoid cystic carcinomas were next in frequency (21 per cent) and were found more commonly in the submaxillary gland and in minor salivary glands. 4. 4. Although the parotid gland was the most common site (53.3 per cent), salivary gland tumors occurred frequently in minor salivary glands (35.7 per cent). Investigators in other tropical countries have had similar experiences. 5. 5. Surgery had been the treatment of choice in management of benign and malignant salivary gland tumors. Adoption of aggressive treatment in recent years has resulted in dramatic reduction of recurrence rate of benign mixed tumors. 6. 6. Results of treatment of malignant salivary gland tumors are far from satisfactory and have shown no progress in three decades. Hope lies in early diagnosis and initial radical surgery.