A clinical evaluation of the major salivary gland tumors

Abstract

One-hundred-twelve cases of major salivary gland tumors treated in our department from 1982 to 1992 were reviewed and analyzed clinically. One-hundred of the cases were parotid gland tumors, 16 of which were malignant. The remaining 12 cases were of submandibular gland origin, one of which was malignant. The age distribution at the time of occurence covered a wide range but most tumors occurred during the patients' fifth decade of life. Pleomorphic adenomas were the most common salivary gland tumors, comprising 54% of the benign parotid gland tumors. Mucoepidermoid carcinomas were the most common type of malignant parotid gland tumor. Tumor diagnosis was made using sialography, enhanced CT scan, ultrasonography, and RI-scintigraphy. The most significant preoperative symptom of the malignant cases were facial palsy and pain. Partial lobectomy was the usual procedure performed on the benign parotid gland tumors. Radio and/or chemotherapy were performed on some of the malignant parotid gland tumors after surgical treatment. Total extirpation of the gland was performed in all cases of submandibular gland tumors.