Primary sub-mandibular gland tumours: experience based on 68 cases

Sub-mandibulary gland tumours are less common than tumours of the parotid and pose many clinical and therapeutic challengers. OBJECTIVE: We report our experience of sub-mandibular tumours and review the literature. PATIENTS AND METHODS: Retrospective studies of sub-mandibular gland tumours presenting to our department between 1986 and 2000. RESULTS: 68 cases were reviewed comprising 37 benign and 31 malignant tumours (15 females and 33 males). Average age of patient was 46 years and all presented with a sub-mandibular swelling. Clinical suspicion of malignancy was associated with symptom of pain, cervical adenopathy, nerve palsy, skin and/or bone invasion. CAT Scans were performedd to assess tumour extent / invasion. Definitive diagnosis was by complete excision and pathological examination. Pleomorphic adenoma (n= 32) were the most frequent benign tumours. For malignant lesions (n= 31) the most frequent were: Adenoid cystic carcinoma (n= 10), epidermoid carcinoma (n= 5), adenocarcinoma (n= 5), mucoepidermoid carcinoma (n= 3), malignant non Hodgkinien lymphoma (n= 5). Treatment was by total surgical excision of the submandibular gland for the begnin tumours. For the malignant lesions it was associated acording to their extension with other anatomical region or in case of adenopathy with neck dissection. Radiotherapy was performed in 24 cases and chemotherapy in 10 cases. CONCLUSION: Malignity in sub-mandibular gland tumours is more frequent than in the parotid gland. Any delay in diagnosis or inappropriate management may result in a poor prognosis for the patient.