Pattern of salivary gland tumors in Ethiopia and non-western countries

Report from various parts of the world indicate that there are differences in the total incidence of salivary gland tumors as well as in the frequency of particular histologic types and in the frequency with which major and minor salivary glands are involved; Moreover reports from African series have suggested a pattern of presentation that significantly differs from that of western countries. The purpose of this study is to clarify knowledge of salivary gland tumors in Ethiopia on the light of the experience gained form African and western countries. The study was based on the biopsy material collected in the Department of Pathology, Addis Ababa University (AAU), over a period of ten years from 1990-1999 inclusive. This study confirmed that patterns of salivary gland tumors in Ethiopia closely follow the pattern seen in other African countries. Of all salivary gland tumors, parotid gland accounts for 43.2% submandibular gland for 25% and the rest of all minor salivary glands contribute for 31.9%. Out of 176 tumors, 117 were reported to be benign and 59 were malignant. Plemorphic Adenoma forms 58.5% of all tumors. Since "Variations" are of great interest in the geographical study of diseases, discrepancies observed in the two worlds of Africa and western countries are discussed. We recommend that any future plan should stand from the observed disparity between the two worlds and address the problem through better methodology to draw firm conclusion.