Management of malignant salivary gland tumors

A total of 54 patients with major salivary gland tumor were treated with radiation therapy at the University of Michigan from 1955 to 1975, inclusive. Fifteen had total resection and radiation, 16 had subtotal resection and radiation, and 23 were inoperable and received radiation only. Local control rate was different between these groups, 86.7%, 75%, 21.7% respectively, as was survival rate at 5 years, 78.4%, 59.8%, 29.9%. In patients with facial nerve palsy, with combined surgery and radiation, 65.3% local control and 49.7% 5-year survival was obtained. Regional neck node metastasis was noted in 25.5% and distant metastasis in 24.1%. Local tumor control was found to be a very important factor in survival: 70.2% survival in patients with local control and 28.7% without. The authors conclude that a combined radical surgery and postoperative radiation would improve the prognosis of these patients with major salivary gland tumors.