Heterogeneous impact of smoking on major salivary gland cancer according to histopathological subtype: A case-control study.

BACKGROUND: Major salivary gland cancers (M-SGCs) are rare, and have distinct heterogeneous histopathological subtypes. To the authors' knowledge, no consistent evidence of an association between cigarette smoking and the risk of M-SGCs has appeared to date. Furthermore, evidence of potential heterogeneity in the impact of smoking on histopathological subtypes is scarce, despite the fact that the histopathological subtypes of M-SGC exhibit different genetic features. METHODS: The authors conducted a case-control study to investigate the association between smoking and M-SGC by histopathological subtype. Cases were 81 patients with M-SGCs and the controls were 810 age-matched and sex-matched first-visit outpatients without cancer treated at Aichi Cancer Center Hospital from 1988 to 2005. Odds ratios (OR) and 95% confidence intervals (95% CI) were assessed by conditional logistic regression analysis with adjustment for potential confounders. RESULTS: Smoking was found to be associated with a significantly increased risk of M-SGC overall, with an OR of 3.45 (95% CI, 1.58-7.51; P =.001) for heavy smokers compared with never-smokers. A significant dose-response relationship was observed (P for trend, .001). When stratified by histological subtype, no obvious impact of smoking was observed among patients with mucoepidermoid carcinoma (MEC). In contrast, smoking demonstrated a significantly increased risk of M-SGCs other than MEC, with an OR of 5.15 (95% CI, 2.06-12.87; P<.001) for heavy smokers compared with never-smokers. The authors observed possible heterogeneity with regard to the impact of smoking on risk between MEC and M-SGCs other than MEC (P for heterogeneity, .052). CONCLUSIONS: The results of the current study demonstrate a significant positive association between cigarette smoking and the risk of M-SGC overall. However, the impact of smoking appeared to be limited to M-SGCs other than MEC. Cancer 2018;124:118-24. © 2017 American Cancer Society.

Adenoid cystic carcinoma of the head and neck: Incidence and survival trends based on 1973-2007 Surveillance, Epidemiology, and End Results data.

BACKGROUND: Adenoid cystic carcinoma (ACC) of the head and neck (ACCHN) is a rare tumor of minor salivary, parotid, and submandibular glands. The biologic behavior of the disease is poorly understood, and nonsurgical treatment strategies have yet to be standardized. The long-term prognosis continues to be guarded, with an estimated 10-year survival of <60%. Population-based studies examining ACC are scarce. The authors aimed to analyze incidence rates and survival outcomes for patients diagnosed with ACCHN using national population-based data. METHODS: Data were obtained from the US National Cancer Institute's Surveillance, Epidemiology, and End Results (SEER) program. Newly diagnosed ACCHN cases reported to SEER from 1973 through 2007 were categorized according to their sex, race, age, year of diagnosis, marital status, treatment interventions, primary tumor site, and disease stage. Incidence of ACCHN and postdiagnosis survival were examined over time and compared across different demographic and disease-related categories. RESULTS: The authors identified 3026 patients with ACCHN. The mean age at diagnosis among those cases was 57.4 years (range, 11-99 years). Analyses of incidence data demonstrated a decline in ACCHN rates between 1973 and 2007, noted across all sexes and races with no detectable inflexion points. The overall 5-year, 10-year, and 15-year survival outcomes for ACCHN patients were 90.3%, 79.9%, and 69.2%, respectively. Females, patients with localized disease, and younger patients were found to have significantly better survival across all time periods (all comparison-specific log-rank P values <0.001). Multivariate analyses revealed better prognosis among women compared with men (hazard ratio [HR], 0.73; 95% confidence interval [CI], 0.65-0.82), among married compared with unmarried individuals (HR, 0.81; 95% CI, 0.71-0.91), with certain sites of origin and stage of disease (HR, 2.788; 95% CI, 2.36-3.29), and in those who had surgery of the primary tumor site (HR, 0.45; 95% CI, 0.37-0.54). CONCLUSIONS: The overall incidence of ACC is declining. The noted differences in survival based on sex, marital status, site of origin, and treatment intervention require further investigation.

[Incidence of salivary gland malignancies in 12 year time period in ENT Department Medical University in Poznan]. / Guzy zlosliwe slinianek w materiale kliniki otolaryngologii i onkologii laryngologicznej w Poznaniu w okresie 12 lat.

Neoplasm of salivary gland constitutes about 3% of all tumours of head and neck. Within the category we can differentiate tumours of a very different histological structure. What lies behind such great differences in the changes within the salivary glands is complex embryogenesis of the glands. This work aims at the assessment of the frequency of occurrence of malignant neoplasm in parotid gland and submandibular gland based on the material collected at the ENT Department of the Medical University in Poznan in the years 1995-2006. In the 12-year period, 103 patients suffered from malignant neoplasm. 82 tumours were diagnosed in paroid gland and respectively 21 - in submandibular gland. No neoplasm was identified in sublingual gland. It was concluded, that trends in occurrence of neoplasm of salivary glands, assessed on the basis of the number of patients operated in the years 1995-2006 show that the number of malignant neoplasm cases remains on the same level. The analysis of the epidemiological differences based on the comparison of the groups of patients treated for salivary gland neoplasm in the years 1995-2000 and 2001-2006 has shown that with regard to malignant neoplasm such parameters as sex, age, duration of symptoms, diameter of the tumour and level of advancement have not differed much from each other in the analyzed periods. Epidemiological differences were identified in respective histological structures in the two periods analyzed: adenoid cystic carcinoma was in fact more frequent in the years 1995-2000 than in the years 2001-2006 (58.8% versus 24.1%). On the other hand, metastasis to the salivary glands was less frequent in period I than in period II (11.8% and 27.6% respectively), so was cancer in mixed tumour (2.9% and 17.2%). Facial nerve paralysis was statistically more frequent in highly malignant tumours than in comparison to tumours malignant only to a slight extent.

[Salivary tumors in the material of the Otolaryngology Clinical Ward of 4th Military Clinical Hospital with the Polyclinic in Wroclaw in the years 1992- 2008]. / Guzy slinianek w materiale Klinicznego Oddzialu Otolaryngologicznego 4 Wojskowego Szpitala Klinicznego z Poliklinika we Wroclawiu w latach 1992-2008.

AIM: The aim of the study is the analyses of salivary gland tumors on 193 patients who underwent surgery at the Otolaryngology Clinical Ward of 4th Military Clinical Hospital with the Polyclinic in Wroclaw in the years 1992-2008. MATERIAL AND METHODS: In the group of patients with salivary gland tumors, which were analysed, there were 106 woman (54.9%) and 87 men (45.1%). The following data: age, sex, time between appearing first symptoms and operation, objective and subjective symptom, the kind of the executed operation and the result of histopathological examination were taken into account in this study. RESULTS AND CONCLUSIONS: Tumors located in 48.7% in parotid gland, 49.7% in submandibular salivary gland and 1.6% in hypoglossal salivary gland. Tumor--like lesions constituted 56%, adenoma 38.9% and malignat tumors 4.7% of all glands tumors. Tumors salivary glands both benign and malignat occur at women about the average age of 50.9 more often. Pleomorphic adenoma was the most common neoplasm. Tumors located in parotid salivary glands are often on the left side.

Oncocytic carcinoma of the salivary glands: A Danish national study.

OBJECTIVES: To present a Danish national series of oncocytic carcinoma (OC) patients, including data on treatment, recurrence and survival. METHODS: From the national Danish database of salivary gland carcinomas, all patients diagnosed with OC from 1990 to 2005 were identified and data concerning demographics, tumor site, clinical stage and treatment profiles were extracted. A follow-up was carried out. RESULTS: Of the 15 cases of salivary gland OC, eight were female. The incidence was 0.02/100.000 inhabitants per year in Denmark, 13 patients presented with OC in the parotid gland and two patients with OC in the submandibular gland. Eight patients had nodal involvement at the time of diagnosis. None of the patients had distant metastases at the time of diagnosis. All patients were treated with primary surgery and seven patients received adjuvant radiotherapy. Half of the patients had recurrence. Six patients were alive at 5 years follow up and one patient was alive without recurrence at 10 years follow up. CONCLUSIONS: This study is the first to report a national incidence of oncocytic carcinoma in the salivary glands. The results confirm oncocytic carcinoma to be a salivary gland carcinoma with a poor prognosis. All patients experiencing recurrence died of the disease. Treatment must be aggressive. National registries are necessary to achieve further knowledge for future treatment recommendations.

Submandibular salivary gland tumors: Clinical course and outcome of a 20-year multicenter study.

The purpose of this retrospective chart review study was to review the nature and clinical course of benign and malignant submandibular gland tumors at 2 major university-affiliated tertiary medical centers. All patients who underwent submandibular salivary gland excision between 1990 and 2010 were included. Clinical and disease-related data were collected from the medical charts. One hundred ninety-three patients were identified, of whom 108 (56%) had non-neoplastic disorders (sialolithiasis and sialadenitis). The remaining 85 patients (44%) had a submandibular salivary gland tumor. The most common benign neoplasm was pleomorphic adenoma (53 patients). Twenty tumors (24%) were malignant: adenoid cystic carcinoma in 11 patients, mucoepidermoid carcinoma in 6 patients, and adenocarcinoma in 3 patients. Recurrence was noted in 7 patients with submandibular gland malignancy and in 2 patients with pleomorphic adenoma. The 5-year disease-free survival rate was 63%. Tumors of the submandibular gland are infrequently malignant. Recurrent submandibular salivary gland pleomorphic adenoma is rare compared with recurrences in the parotid gland.

Salivary gland tumors in a Brazilian population: a retrospective study of 496 cases.

Salivary gland tumors are uncommon and the microscopical features can be complex. Epidemiological data of these tumors in the various parts of the world can be helpful for a better understanding of its biology and clinical characteristics. In this study, 496 epithelial and mesenchymal tumors of major and minor salivary glands diagnosed at Londrina Cancer Institute during the period from 1972 to 2001 were reviewed. Out of all cases, 335 (67.5%) were classified as benign and 161 (32.5%) as malignant. The majority of the cases occurred in the parotid gland (67.7%), followed by the minor salivary glands (22.8%) and submandibular gland (9.5%). Among the minor salivary gland tumors, the palate was the most frequent location (67%). The tumors affected more commonly adult patients with peak incidence between 40 and 50 years of age and with a slightly predominance in females. Pleomorphic adenoma was the most frequent tumor representing 54.2% of all cases, followed by mucoepidermoid carcinoma (13.5%), Warthin's tumor (8.5%) and adenoid cystic carcinoma (7.9%).

Epidemiology, Prognostic Factors, and Treatment of Malignant Submandibular Gland Tumors: A Population-Based Cohort Analysis.

IMPORTANCE: Malignant tumors of the submandibular gland are uncommon, leading to limited information regarding prognostic factors and difficulty in evaluating treatment modalities. OBJECTIVE: To investigate the correlates of survival in patients with primary malignant tumors of the submandibular gland. DESIGN, SETTING, AND PARTICIPANTS: Data from 2626 patients with a diagnosis of primary tumors of the submandibular gland between 1973 and 2011 in the Surveillance, Epidemiology, and End Results database were used in a retrospective population-based cohort analysis. Kaplan-Meier analysis along with multivariate Cox regression analysis was performed to determine prognostic factors in overall survival (OS) and disease-specific survival (DSS). INTERVENTIONS: Patients were treated with surgery, radiation therapy, both, or neither. MAIN OUTCOMES AND MEASURES: Overall and disease-specific survival. RESULTS: We identified 2626 patients with a diagnosis of primary malignant tumors of the submandibular gland, 52.9% male and 47.1% female, with a mean (range) age of 61.3 (7-101) years. Adenoid cystic carcinoma (36.0%) was the most prevalent histologic subtype, followed by squamous cell carcinoma (18.1%), mucoepidermoid carcinoma (16.9%), and adenocarcinoma (13.7%). Kaplan-Meier analysis demonstrated an OS and DSS of 65% and 74%at 2 years, 54% and 67% at 5 years, and 40% and 60% at 10 years, respectively. Multivariate Cox regression analysis revealed independent predictors of OS and DSS to be age (HR, 1.04 [95% CI, 1.03-1.04], P < .001; HR, 1.02 [95% CI, 1.01-1.03], P < .001), sex (HR, 0.69 [95% CI, 0.57-0.84], P < .001; HR, 0.73 [95% CI, 0.56-0.96], P = .02), tumor grade (HR, 1.47 [95% CI, 1.19-1.81], P < .001; HR, 1.67 [95% CI, 1.25-2.25], P = .001), stage at presentation (HR, 1.56 [95% CI, 1.41-1.72], P < .001; HR, 1.96 [95% CI, 1.69-2.28], P < .001), and surgical resection (HR, 0.55 [95% CI, 0.41-0.74], P < .001; HR, 0.51 [95% CI, 0.35-0.75], P = .001). CONCLUSIONS AND RELEVANCE: We report, to our knowledge, the largest study to date focused on correlates of survival in submandibular gland malignant neoplasms. Multivariate analysis found that older age at diagnosis, high tumor grade, and later stage at presentation were correlated with decreased survival whereas female sex and surgical resection were correlated with increased survival. In addition, a 3-cm tumor cutoff size was demonstrated above which was associated with a significantly less favorable prognosis. Radiation therapy had mixed association with survival, dependent on tumor size and subtype.

Tumours of the salivary glands in northeastern China: a retrospective study of 2508 patients.

Little information has been published in English about the epidemiology of tumours of the salivary glands in northeastern China. From August 2004 to March 2014, 2508 cases of primary epithelial salivary gland tumours were diagnosed in the Department of Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery, the Affiliated Stomatology Hospital of China Medical University. Tumours were analysed according to their histological type and site, and the age and sex of the patients. Ages ranged from 5 to 98 years, with a slight propensity in favour of men. The peak incidence was in the sixth decade for both sexes. The mean (SD) ages were 48 (16) years when the tumour was benign and 51 (15) years when it was malignant. The parotid gland and palate were the sites most commonly affected. There were 1934 (77.1%) benign and 574 (22.9%) malignant tumours, with the most common histological types being pleomorphic adenomas and mucoepidermoid carcinomas. A lesion that arises from the floor of the mouth (92.8%) or the tongue (86.2%) is more likely to be malignant than those from other minor salivary glands.

Carcinoma of the major salivary glands treated by surgery or surgery plus postoperative radiotherapy.

From 1975 to 1987, 87 patients with carcinomas of the major salivary glands (70 parotid and 17 submandibular) were treated at our institution by either surgery or surgery followed by postoperative radiotherapy (RT). Surgical procedures included superficial (24%) or total (56%) parotidectomies and submandibular gland resection (20%). Postoperative RT usually began 2 to 4 weeks following surgery. Using 4 MV photons or, infrequently, 60Co, the majority of patients received 6000 cGy in 6 weeks to the parotid region (ranged from 4500 to 7000 cGy). Determinant actuarial survival was 74% at 5 years and 71% at 10 years. For patients with previously untreated disease, 5 of 19 (26%) treated by surgery alone experienced local recurrence, whereas only 2 of 50 (4%) recurred locally following surgery plus postoperative RT (p = 0.01). For patients presenting with recurrent disease, 4/4 (100%) failed locally following surgery as opposed to 3/14 (21%) following surgery plus postoperative RT (p = 0.01). The determinant 5-year actuarial survival for patients receiving postoperative RT was 75% versus 59% for surgery alone. Results were analyzed by multivariate methods using determinant survival or recurrence as endpoints. Five important prognostic factors were identified. (a) Facial nerve paresis was predictive of poor outcome (p less than 0.001) with 3-year relapse free survival of 13%. (b) Undifferentiated histology was associated with decreased survival (p = 0.002). (c) Male sex was associated with poor outcome (p = 0.008). (d) Skin invasion resulted in decreased survival (p = 0.012). (e) Radiotherapy was associated with improved survival (p = 0.014). In addition, postoperative RT was effective in preventing local recurrence (p less than 0.001). The data demonstrate the efficacy of postoperative RT in improving survival and local control for patients with carcinomas of the major salivary glands.

Carcinoma of the parotid and submandibular glands--a study of survival in 2465 patients.

Salivary gland carcinomas demonstrate a wide diversity of histopathological types and biological behavior. The aim of this study was to analyze relative survival of patients with major salivary gland carcinomas with special reference to histopathology, gender and age. All new carcinomas of the major salivary glands reported to the National Swedish Cancer Registry 1960-1995 were searched for and the vital status of the cases was updated by record linkage to the Swedish Population Registry through December 31 1996. The study comprised 2465 patients with carcinoma of the parotid or submandibular glands. Relative survival differed markedly according to histopathological typing (P<0.001). For parotid tumors, acinic cell carcinomas had the best prognosis with a 10-year relative survival of 88%. The corresponding figures for mucoepidermoid carcinomas, adenoidcystic carcinomas and carcinoma ex pleomorphic adenoma were 80, 74 and 73%. Adenocarcinoma NOS and undifferentiated carcinoma had worse prognosis, with 10-year relative survival of 55 and 44%. Patients with submandibular gland cancer had similar relative survival to those with parotid cancers, besides those with mucoepidermoid cancer and adenocarcinoma NOS, who carried worse prognosis. Age and gender had an impact on relative survival for patients with mucoepidermoid carcinoma, adenocarcinoma and undifferentiated cancer of the parotid.

Malignant salivary gland tumours in Sweden 1960-1989--an epidemiological study.

Epidemiological data from the Swedish Cancer Registry of new cases of malignant major and accessory salivary gland tumors in Sweden between 1960 and 1989 are presented, including the total number and the age-standardised incidence rate per 1 million population, by site and sex, I(s). An analysis of the various histopathological types of malignant salivary gland tumours in the different sublocations is also given. A comparison is made between the three 10-year periods 1960-1969, 1970-1979 and 1980-1989 regarding total number and I(s). The total number of new malignant major salivary gland tumors was 2557, representing approximately 85 new cases per year and 0.3% of all new diagnosed cancers in Sweden. In addition, approximately 25 new cases per year of malignant accessory salivary gland tumors were reported. If all malignant salivary gland tumours were considered, the most common location was found in the parotid glands with a relative frequency of 57.5%, and the next most common site was malignant accessory salivary gland tumours with 22.6%. I(s) was 10.2 for the major and 3.0 for the accessory salivary glands. No major difference between the examined 10-year periods was found concerning the relative frequency, and no statistically significant difference in I(s) was found between the examined 10-year periods, except for a statistically significant decrease in the I(s) between the time periods 1960-1969 and 1980-1989 for the multiple or unspecified malignant salivary glands from 0.5 to 1.4. A difference in the distribution of various histopathological types of malignant salivary gland tumours was observed between the different time periods. This was particularly valid for the diagnoses adenoid cystic carcinomas and mucoepidermoid carcinomas which increased in number and the diagnosis malignant salivary gland tumours of mixed type, which decreased in number during the examined time periods.

Incidence rates of salivary gland tumors: results from a population-based study.

Salivary gland tumors are uncommon, and their epidemiology has not been well described. We conducted a descriptive epidemiologic study of parotid, submaxillary, and sublingual gland tumors newly diagnosed in Jefferson County, Alabama, hospitals from 1968 to 1989. Incidence rates were estimated with a population-based subset of cases diagnosed during the years 1979 to 1980, 1983 to 1984, or 1987 to 1988. Among 248 incident cases, 84.3% were benign and 15.7% were malignant. Eighty-six percent of cases arose in the parotid gland, and 14% arose in the submaxillary gland. No sublingual gland tumor was identified. The benign mixed tumor was the most frequent tumor (65.6%), followed by Warthin's tumor (29.2%). Mucoepidermoid carcinoma was the most frequent malignant tumor (51.3%). The average annual age-adjusted incidence rate per 100,000 was 4.7 for benign tumors and 0.9 for malignant tumors. Incidence rates for both benign and malignant tumors increased with age until ages 65 to 74 years and then declined. Benign mixed tumors occurred more frequently in female patients, whereas Warthin's tumors and malignant tumors occurred more frequently in male patients (P < 0.05). Warthin's tumor was rare in black patients (P < 0.001). We conclude that salivary gland tumors are an uncommon but epidemiologically diverse group of tumors. Their causes are also likely to differ.

[Submandibular sialadenectomy. Our experience]. / Scialoadenectomia sottomandibolare. Nostra esperienza.

The authors analyze 102 personal cases of submaxillary gland excision. They describe their epidemiological and clinical features and make a comparison with the data already published on the same subject.

[Tumors of the submandibular triangle]. / Guzy trójkata podzuchwowego.

Analysed material consists of 180 patients with different kind of submandibular triangle tumors, excluded disturbances of the submandibular gland. All these patients were treated in ENT Department of County Hospital No 1 in Rzeszów in 1974-1993. Among 180 patients in 97 (54%) cases, the presence of inflammatory tumors were stated: non specific inflammation in 74 (76%) patients and specific inflammation in 23 (24%) patients. In 10 (6%) patients occurred branchial or dermoid cysts. Neoplastic tumors occurred in 73 (40%), malignant tumors in 64 (86%) patients and benign ones in 9 (12%) patients. Among malignant tumors metastatic ones were stated 41 (64%) cases, while primary tumors in 23 (36%). The histology type of tumors were revealed by histology examination.

[Submandibular pathology as an interdisciplinary problem]. / Patologia przestrzeni podzuchwowej jako problem interdyscyplinarny.

Basing on the own material of 328 patients treated surgically the authors have presented the problem of submandibular space pathology. They have pointed out its interspecialty in diagnosing and treatment. Among 328 patients the presence of inflammatory tumors have been stated in 220 (67.1%) cases, non-specific inflammation in 194 (88.2%) patients and specific inflammation in 26 (11.8%) patients. Neoplasmatic tumors have occurred in 98 (29.9%) patients, malignant tumors in 78 (79.6%) patients and benign ones in 20 (20.4%) patients. Among malignant tumors metastatic ones were observed in 41 (52.6%) cases, while primary tumors in 37 (47.4%) cases. In 3.0% patients developmental anomaly have occurred.

[Comparison of the incidence of various tumors of the parotid and submandibular gland]. / Porównanie czestosci wystepowania róznych guzów w sliniance przyusznej i podzuchwowej.

The authors have analyzed 396 cases with parotid and submandibular gland tumors treated surgically in ENT Department of County Hospital Nr 1 in Rzeszów from 1974 to 1994. The most frequent disease was neoplastic tumor located in parotid gland, while the most frequent inflammatory disease was non-specific inflammation caused by a calculus in submandibular gland.

Submandibular gland involvement in early stage oral cavity carcinomas: can the gland be left behind?

OBJECTIVE: To determine the frequency of submandibular gland involvement in early oral cavity tumors. STUDY DESIGN: Observational study. PLACE AND DURATION OF STUDY: ENT Department, CMH, Rawalpindi, from January 2008 to December 2011. METHODOLOGY: Data of 110 oral cavity tumors operated over 2008 - 2011 was retrieved from ENT OPD, tumor registry in AFIP and from Head and Neck Oncology Forum Registry. Cases of oral cavity tumors that had undergone elective neck dissections were retrospectively studied for invasion of the submandibular gland, TNM Staging, perineural, perivascular, lymphovascular invasion, site specific frequency of oral cavity tumors and frequency of lymph node metastasis. RESULTS: Tumors of tongue were the most common constituting 42%, squamous cell carcinoma was the histological diagnosis in 90% cases. Sixty eight (61.8%) cases were node negative. Selective neck dissection was done in 55.5% of the cases. Submandibular gland was involved in 2 cases (1.8%). CONCLUSION: Submandibular gland metastasis from early oral cavity tumors is rare; any neoplastic involvement of the gland usually occurs via direct spread.

Incidence of salivary gland neoplasms in a defined UK population.

To establish a true prevalence of salivary gland tumours in a fixed population in the United Kingdom (UK), we searched the unified computerised pathology records of two teaching hospitals, including two private hospitals, for all salivary gland neoplasms (benign and malignant) over two 10-year periods (January 1988-December 1997, and January 1998-December 2007). Reports included needle biopsy, open biopsy, or excision biopsy. Equivocal results were checked by review of the medical notes. Patients referred from outside the catchment area were excluded. Both series combined showed that all neoplasms confirmed the 10:1:1 rule of distribution, but the benign to malignant ratio did not conform to standard teaching. The data suggest that 70-75 benign, and 8-14 malignant neoplasms present annually/million population, which is consistent with established patterns. However, this points towards a lower incidence of cancer in the major salivary glands than was traditionally thought.

An analysis of salivary gland neoplasms: a 12-year, single-institution experience in Turkey.

The epidemiology of salivary gland tumors worldwide is not very well defined. Although many studies on this subject have been undertaken, the data are generally focused on specific topics such as parotid gland neoplasms or tumors of the major salivary glands. We conducted a study to establish the prevalence and distribution of benign and malignant neoplasms of both the major and minor salivary glands at a single institution. We reviewed 244,204 cases that had come through our pathology department from January 1994 through December 2005 and found 235 cases of a salivary gland neoplasm (0.09%). The female-to-male ratio was 1.04:1, and the mean age of the patients was 47 years. Of the 235 neoplasms, 159 (67.66%) were located in the parotid gland, 34 (14.47%) in the submandibular gland, and 42 (17.87%) in the minor salivary glands. A total of 146 tumors (62.13%) were benign and 89 (37.87%) were malignant. Pleomorphic adenoma was the most common neoplasm, occurring in 98 cases (41.70%). The most common malignancy was mucoepidermoid carcinoma, with 27 cases (11.49%). Our data demonstrate that the characteristics of salivary gland tumors in a Turkish population at a single institution are similar to those reported in the literature worldwide.