[Salivary gland carcinomas. 1. Epidemiology, etiology, malignancy criteria, prognostic parameters and classification]

Salivary gland carcinomas comprise a rare group of malignant tumors which are difficult to diagnose and treat due to their histopathologic diversity, variable clinical course and anatomic location, particularly with respect to the facial nerve. The present paper summarizes important features of these tumors, including recent advances in their management, i.e., diagnosis, surgery of the primary tumor, neck dissection, radiation therapy, and updates risk factors, criteria of malignancy, and prognostic variables, taking into account the relevant literature. Additionally, the present paper highlights briefly the survival rates of patients suffering from salivary gland carcinomas. The present overview is divided into two parts: the first is focused on epidemiology, etiology, criteria of malignancy, prognostic factors, and tumor classification, while part II discusses the diagnosis and therapy of salivary gland carcinomas.