Histopathological study of salivary gland tumors: a tertiary care hospital-based study

ABSTRACT

Introduction: Salivary gland tumors (SGTs) are relatively uncommon and show a wide variety of morphological heterogeneities. The incidence of SGTs is said to be affected by geographical and racial factors. Histopathological diagnosis plays a major role in the diagnosis of these neoplasms. Objectives: This study investigated the incidence of SGTs and histopathological features of various SGTs, aimed at knowing the epidemiological pattern of these tumors and comparing the results of our study with other studies of SGTs in the literature. Materials and Methods: A retrospective study was conducted on SGTs at the Pathology Department of the Government Medical College and Hospital for a period of 5 years. Clinical and demographic data were documented and analyzed concerning histopathologic type. Results: A total of 86 SGTs were identified, 65.12% of which were classified as benign and 34.88% as malignant. Most tumors occurred in the parotid gland (59.14%). Pleomorphic adenoma (PA) was the most common tumor (56.98%), followed by mucoepidermoid carcinoma (MEC) (17.44%). The tumors occurred more often in men (51.16%) than in women (48.84%). Conclusion: SGTs exhibit broad morphological heterogeneity and these tumors are rare. The parotid gland is the most common location, and PA is the most frequent benign tumor. MEC followed by adenoid cystic carcinoma is the most common malignancy of the salivary gland.