Tumors of the submandibular gland: clinicopathologic analysis of 23 patients.

PURPOSE: Tumors of the submandibular gland are rare, comprising less than 2% of head and neck neoplasia. Both benign and malignant lesions show a mild symptomatology, resulting in late presentation and in advanced stage of disease. The purpose of this article was to report our experience in treating submandibular gland neoplasia during the last 10 years. PATIENTS AND METHODS: The medical records of all patients with histologically confirmed epithelial tumors of the submandibular gland were retrospectively reviewed. This review found 23 patients with 9 benign and 14 malignant tumors. The collection of data included demographic data, diagnostic procedures, operative and pathology reports, complications, additional treatment, and follow-up. RESULTS: There were 10 men and 13 women with a mean age of 60 years. Pleomorphic adenoma was the most frequently encountered benign tumor; adenocarcinoma and adenoid cystic carcinoma had an equal presentation in the malignant group of patients. Eleven of the 14 patients with malignant tumors presented in advanced stages of disease (stage III and IV). Surgery was the sole treatment for the benign tumors. There were no recurrences. In the majority of cases, patients with malignant tumors were treated with surgery and postoperative radiotherapy. Eight patients died during the follow-up period, giving a mortality rate of 61.5%. CONCLUSION: Benign submandibular gland tumors manifest a mild course of disease, and local excision along with the gland is a safe and effective method of treatment. Malignant tumors have a poor symptomatology that results in late diagnosis. Radical surgery and postoperative radiotherapy is the treatment of choice. Prognosis depends on the histopathology and biologic behavior of the specific type of malignant tumor.