A review of 413 salivary gland tumours in the head and neck region

Abstract

Objectives: Salivary gland tumours (SGTs) are a group of heterogeneous lesions with complex clinico-pathological characteristics and distinct biological behaviours. Previous studies have reported geographic variations in site distribution, incidence and histological types of SGTs. The aim of this study was to describe the demography of SGTs seen at a tertiary health centre and compare findings with previous studies. Study design: Data on SGTs from archives of the Department of Oral Pathology and the Department of Pathology, University College Hospital Ibadan were retrieved. Information about histological types, age, sex and location were analyzed using SPSS for Window (version 20.0; SPSS Inc. Chicago, IL). Reactive and tumor-like lesions such as sialometaplasia, benign lymphoepithelial lesion, lymphoepithelial cyst, mucocele, mucous extravasation phenomenon, ranula, and sialosis were excluded from the study. Results: 413 SGTs consisting of 221 (53.5%) malignant and 192 (46.5%) benign lesions were seen. SGTs occurred more in females (50.6%) than males (49.4%) with a mean age of 43.7 (±16.9) years and peak age in the fifth decade of life. The parotid with 171 (41.4%) cases was the commonest site, followed by palate with 89 (21.5%) cases, while only 7(1.7%) cases were seen in sublingual gland. Pleomorphic adenoma with 169 (40.9%) was the most frequent SGT followed by adenoid cystic carcinoma with 93 (22.5%) cases which also was the most frequent malignant SGT while only 3 (0.7%) cases of Warthin’s tumour were seen. Conclusion: This report is one of few that showed a higher occurrence of malignant SGTs compared to their benign counterparts. The findings were essentially similar to findings in Africa but showed SGTs to be more common in females. The reason(s) for high occurrence of malignant SGTs in minor salivary glands and the rarity of Warthins tumour in this study and other African series compared to those from America needs further investigation. Key words:Salivary gland tumours, parotid gland, pleomorphic adenoma, adenoid cystic carcinoma, warthin’s tumour.

Pattern of Salivary Gland Tumour in Sokoto, North-Western Nigeria

“…These may be attributed to the differences in methodologies employed in the different studies. However, Lawal et al [17] in Ibadan and Kalburge et al [18] had result similar to our finding, with malignant SGTs predominating. Our health facility is a tertiary center, with referrals from Birnin-Kebbi, Gusau, Katsina and other neighboring cities.…”

Clinicopathological analysis of salivary gland tumors over a 15-year period

“…Few studies report a greater prevalence of malignant SGTs. 11 In such cases, the uncommon findings may be explained by the fact that the studies were conducted at tertiary centers, which receive more severe cases of SGTs.…”

“…5 Epidemiological data reveal different frequencies of SGTs in distinct ethic groups and geographic locations, which makes it difficult to establish global estimates. 1,6,7,8,9,10,11,12,13,14,15,16 Although Declaration of Interests: The authors certify that they have no commercial or associative interest that represents a conflict of interest in connection with the manuscript.…”

Epidemiological characterization of oral cancer. Literature review.

“…The survival rate is 65% at 5 years and it is greater in women than in men, 72% and 58% respectively²°. At any age it can be developed, but it is most commonly diagnosed between the fourth and seventh decade, presenting a slight predilection in men 17,18 . Its cause is uncertain, though some reports as the Lawal report associates the cause to factors such as ultraviolet radiation dose, tobacco and alcohol consumption and the presence of virus Epstein Barr…”

“…Among the malignant neoplasms of glandular origin, mucoepidermoid carcinoma and adenoid cystic are the most frequent 17 . At the major salivary glands level, the parotid glands are the most affected.…”