Incidence Rates of Salivary Gland Tumors: Results from a Population‐Based Study

Abstract

Salivary gland tumors are uncommon, and their epidemiology has not been well described. We conducted a descriptive epidemiologic study of parotid, submaxillary, and sublingual gland tumors newly diagnosed in Jefferson County, Alabama, hospitals from 1968 to 1989. Incidence rates were estimated with a population-based subset of cases diagnosed during the years 1979 to 1980, 1983 to 1984, or 1987 to 1988. Among 248 incident cases, 84.3% were benign and 15.7% were malignant. Eighty-six percent of cases arose in the parotid gland, and 14% arose in the submaxillary gland. No sublingual gland tumor was identified. The benign mixed tumor was the most frequent tumor (65.6%), followed by Warthin's tumor (29.2%). Mucoepidermoid carcinoma was the most frequent malignant tumor (51.3%). The average annual age-adjusted incidence rate per 100,000 was 4.7 for benign tumors and 0.9 for malignant tumors. Incidence rates for both benign and malignant tumors increased with age until ages 65 to 74 years and then declined. Benign mixed tumors occurred more frequently in female patients, whereas Warthin's tumors and malignant tumors occurred more frequently in male patients (P < 0.05). Warthin's tumor was rare in black patients (P < 0.001). We conclude that salivary gland tumors are an uncommon but epidemiologically diverse group of tumors. Their causes are also likely to differ.

Ten Year Experience with Surgery and Radiation in the Management of Malignant Major Salivary Gland Tumors

“…Malignant tumors of major salivary glands are rare and represent only 3%-6% of all head and neck (Pinkston and Cole, 1999) cancers (Spiro, 1986). Around 80% of salivary gland tumors arise from parotid gland of which 20-30% are malignant (Matsuba et al, 1985).…”

Outcome of Surgery and Post-Operative Radiotherapy for Major Salivary Gland Carcinoma: Ten Year Experience from a Single Institute

“…Of all the salivary gland neoplasms, 85% are benign and 15% are malignant. Salivary gland malignancies comprise 3-6% of all head and neck cancers (Pinkston and Cole, 1999;Jones et al, 2008). It constitutes 0.77% of male and 0.57% of female cancers in India (Raina et al, 2003).…”

Epithelial Salivary Gland Tumors in Two Distant Geographical Locations, Finland (Helsinki and Oulu) and Israel (Tel Aviv): A 10-Year Retrospective Comparative Study of 2,218 Cases

“…Although these studies have provided valuable knowledge, some of the data become contradictory and less precise as SGT classifications continue to change. As such, the actual frequency of SGTs is not known, and it is probably underestimated because benign tumors, which constitute the majority of SGTs, are often not entered into most cancer registries [12]. A comprehensive comparison of the studies reported from different parts of the world is hampered by several reasons, as summarized by Buchner et al [7].…”