Malignant salivary gland neoplasms of the lip

The charts of fourteen patients with malignant salivary gland tumors of the lip were reviewed. These patients represented 1 per cent of all patients seen during this same period of time with malignant salivary gland tumors. No specific etiologic factors were implicated except that the tumors occurred predominantly in white males. The overall results of treatment were poor, perhaps secondary to delay in diagnosis, very biologically aggressive tumors, or inadequate or improper treatment. Hopefully, the 20 per cent survival can be improved with planned combined sequential surgery and radiation in those selected high risk patients.