Salivary gland tumors in an Iranian population: a retrospective study of 130 cases

Tumors of the salivary glands are uncommon, comprising 3% to 10% of head and neck neoplasia. In the absence of epidemiologic studies of these neoplasms in an Iranian population, we conducted a preliminary survey of 130 cases over the last 20 years in Hamedan, Iran.

The medical records and case notes of all patients with histologically confirmed salivary gland tumors were reviewed retrospectively from February 1984 to March 2003. This review found 89 patients with benign tumors and 41 patients with malignant tumors. The collection of data included gender, age, location, and histopathology of the tumor. Other recorded data included diagnostic procedures, operative reports, complications, additional treatment, and follow-up.

We studied 78 females and 52 males with a mean age of 44.9 years. Patients with benign and malignant tumors presented with a mean age of 41.3 and 47 years, respectively. The frequency of benign tumors was 68.4% (n = 89) and 31.6% for malignant tumors (n = 41). Tumors were localized in the parotid gland (63%; n = 82), the submandibular gland (23%; n = 30), and in the minor salivary glands (14%; n = 18). The most common benign tumor was pleomorphic adenoma (65.4%; n = 85). Among malignant tumors, mucoepidermoid carcinoma was the most frequent (11.5%; n = 15), followed by adenocarcinoma (10%; n = 13). Greater than 63% of malignant tumors were treated surgically, and the remaining with combined therapy. Seven patients died over the follow-up period (6 with persistent disease), 5 were lost to follow-up, and 23 remained cancer-free.

Between benign and malignant salivary gland tumors, frequency of pleomorphic adenoma and mucoepidermoid carcinoma was in keeping with studies reported previously. In other salivary gland tumors, however, diversity was obvious and showed significant difference, requiring further studies.