Prognostic factors in patients with salivary gland malignancy: a retrospective cohort study

Our objective was to determine the factors affecting the prognosis in patients with major salivary gland malignancy presenting to Aga Khan University Hospital in Karachi. Retrospective cohort study was carried out at our center on patients diagnosed and treated for salivary gland cancers. Presentation and treatment offered was reviewed from medical charts. Telephonic interviews were conducted to assess the survival of patients who were lost to follow-up. Log rank test was used to compare the mean survival times. A total of 36 patients were included in the study. The mean age was 45.1 +/- 14.6 years. Majority were male 21 (58.3%). The most common malignancy was mucoepidermoid carcinoma (36.1%) followed by adenoid cystic carcinoma (22.2%). Node positivity, grade of tumor, radiotherapy and chemotherapy were a significant indication of survival times on log rank test.