Extent and Indications for Elective and Therapeutic Neck Dissection for Salivary Carcinoma

Although salivary gland malignancies account for only a small percentage of all head and neck cancers, the incidence is increasing. Furthermore, there is a wide variety of histologic subtypes which must be taken into account in the context of their location. Each is associated with a different rate of regional metastasis and overall survival. This article examines the incidence of salivary gland malignancies and provides evidence for the indications for and extent of elective or therapeutic neck dissection based on location, pathologic type, and histopathologic characteristics.