Malignant mixed tumor of salivary origin: a clinicopathologic study of 146 cases

A 30-year Memorial Hospital experience with 146 patients with malignant mixed tumor is reviewed. These comprised 5% of 2,743 patients who were treated for salivary neoplasms from 1939 through 1968. The tumors arose in the parotid gland in 108 patients, submaxillary gland in 23 patients, mucus or so-called minor salivary glands in 16 patients, and sublingual gland in one. In terms of our total experience, 11% of all submaxillary tumors proved to be of the malignant mixed variety as compared to 6% of parotid tumors and 3% of minor salivary tumors, respectively. Seventy-one patients (48%) had previously received therapy elsewhere. Results of treatment are presented and the factors which influenced the results are discussed.