Salivary gland tumors of the lip

The UCLA experience with minor salivary gland tumors of the lip is presented and contrasted with that of the literature. The incidence of benign to malignant tumors of the lip does not follow the inverse relationship stated in the axiom that the smaller the salivary gland the greater the probability that a developing tumor will be malignant. Benign tumors represent over 80% of all salivary gland tumors of the lip. There is no preponderant malignant tumor for the lip. Adenoid cystic carcinoma, mucoepidermoid carcinoma, and adenocarcinoma occur with almost equal frequency. Because of the indolent nature of these tumors, excellent survival rates can be achieved with wide local excision with few recurrences, if the tumors are adequately treated when first seen.