Malignant neoplasms of the major salivary glands

Between January 1, 1968 and December 31, 1978, 42 patients with malignant lesions involving the major salivary glands were seen at the Medical College of Virginia. A 60% 2-year survival and a 42% 5-year survival were noted. Histologic type was the major determinant of survival. Symptoms other than a painless mass, a largest dimension greater than 4 cm, older age, and clinical spread outside the gland were all suggestive of both a more malignant histologic type and a worse prognosis. Based on these observations, a plan is proposed for the diagnostic approach and treatment of salivary gland masses that is based on the mode of presentation and histologic findings.