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%).