Diagnosis and management of neoplastic lesions of the submandibular triangle

Review of submandibular triangle neoplasms (benign and malignant) treated at a tertiary referral centre in the United Kingdom (1986-2004). One hundred and seven cases identified via computerised search of histopathology records over the 18 year review period. Retrospective review clinical notes and collation with data maintained prospectively by the senior author. Forty nine benign and 58 malignant neoplasms of the submandibular triangle were reviewed. Definitive diagnosis was by excision and pathological examination. Pleomorphic adenoma (n=37) were the most common benign neoplasms. For malignant lesions (n=58), 48 were primary malignancies and 10 metastatic lesions. The most frequent primary lesions were malignant non-Hodgkin lymphoma (n=22), adenoid cystic carcinoma (n=9) and mucoepidermoid carcinoma (n=9). The mainstay treatment for both benign and malignant lesions was surgical either by extracapsular excision of the gland/lesion or selective levels I, IIa and III neck dissection. The main post-operative complication was temporary weakness of the marginal mandibular nerve (13%). Submandibular triangle neoplasms are rare and pose many diagnostic and therapeutic challenges. There is a relatively high incidence of malignant neoplasms in this region (54%). Benign tumours manifest a mild course of disease and have an excellent prognosis following adequate excision. Malignant tumours have a poor symptomatology that can result in late (often post-operative) diagnosis. The adequacy of primary surgery is crucial and would support the approach of a more radical excision primarily with a selective levels I, IIa and III neck dissection; ensuring a definitive operation for benign lesions, avoiding the risks of tumour spillage associated with a more limited excision; and removing the primary echelon of lymph nodes at risk of metastasis if the pathology in fact turns out to be malignant; without a significantly higher morbidity in comparison with an extracapsular gland/lesion excision.