[Tumors of the submaxillary gland]

The tumors of the submaxillary gland are rare. The authors are reviewing 23 cases gathered from three Departments over ten years. The tumors of the submaxillary gland are malignant in as many as 50% of all cases! When the lesion is benign, pleiomorphic adenoma is the most frequent possibility. The authors emphasize the necessity of early and complete surgical treatment, requiring at least total submaxillectomy in case of benign tumor. Cervical mode dissection will be considered if the tumor is malignant.