The epidemiology of salivary glands pathologies in adult population of Armenia: Retrospective multicenter cohort study

Abstract

Background The aim of this study was to perform a comprehensive analysis of the incidence, frequency, distribution, and demographics of different types of non-neoplastic and neoplastic salivary gland pathologies in the adult population in Armenia from 2017 to 2022. Methods A multicenter retrospective descriptive cross-sectional study of salivary gland pathologies (SGPs) in adults diagnosed in Armenia in 2017–2022 was conducted. Data on age, sex, date of referral, diagnosis, radiology and histological findings and treatment methods were extracted. The TNM malignant tumor classification was used for staging assessment. Results Over the observed six years, there was an increase in the incidence of SGPs. A significantly higher proportion of males than females were observed in the salivary gland nonneoplastic disease (NND) group (74.8% vs. 25.2%, respectively). A male predominance was also observed in the benign salivary gland tumor (BSGT) group (56.9% vs. 43.1%), and a female predominance of approximately 2:1 was observed in the malignant salivary gland tumor (MSGT) group. Sialolithiasis was the main pathology associated with hospitalization and accounted for 79.6% of NNDs. The parotid gland was the most common anatomical location for benign salivary gland tumors. The highest prevalence of BSGT was observed in patients aged 51–70 years. Among the BSGTs, 41.7% were parotid gland pleomorphic adenomas, and 36.1% were Wartin tumors. The highest prevalence of MSGT was observed in the 61- to 70-year-old age group. The parotid gland was the most common anatomical location for malignant salivary gland tumors (69.8%). Carcinoma ex pleomorphic adenoma (CExPA) and adenocarcinoma are the most common types of salivary gland malignancies in the Armenian population. Almost all patients with MSGT were admitted with stage T2 or greater, and in most cases, lymph node metastatic involvement was present. Conclusions Sialolithiasis was the most common diagnosis of hospitalization in the Armenian population. The incidence of MSGT increases with age. Family physicians can play an important role in the early diagnosis and management of SGTs. The implementation of compulsory medical insurance and prompt recognition and treatment of salivary gland neoplastic lesions could prevent the development of neglected cases and reduce treatment costs. Trial registration: not applicable