Glandular tumors of the palate

Salivary gland tumors of the palate originate in the minor salivary glands located in the glandular zone of the palate. Approximately 7 per cent of all tumors of the salivary gland occur in the palate, and approximately one-half of such tumors are cancers. The salivary gland tumor is more often found in the hard palate. Of the 90 salivary gland tumors of the palate reported herein, 49 per cent were benign, and all were pleomorphic adenomas. Of the cancers, 70 per cent were cylindromas, 15 per cent mucoepidermoid cancers, and the remaining 15 per cent included acinic cell carcinomas, undifferentiated carcinomas, and papillary adenocarcinomas. There is a 50 per cent likelihood of a lump in the palate in the glandular zone being a cancer. The simplistic diagnosis of a cyst should be considered only after other lesions have been excluded. The recommended form of treatment is surgical excision. Fenestration of the palate is a potential consequence of excision in 30 to 60 per cent of patients, depending upon whether or not the lesion is benign or malignant. The results of surgical treatment are good, but fenestration shoud be accepted as a necessary result of adequate treatment. Surgical treatment of cylindromas continues to be most difficult and demands the utmost of that intangible essence known as surgical judgment. Radiotherapy has been considered as a palliative agent for the treatment of inoperable and recurring cancers, especially cylindromas.