Salivary Gland Tumors: A Clinicopathologic Study of 366 Cases in Southern Iran

Background: Salivary gland tumors (SGT) are one of the most complex human neoplasms, demonstratingvariations in their clinicopathological profile related to racial and geographic differences. Few studies with largesamples have been reported in Iran. We here investigated a large group of patients in southern Iran. Materialsand
Methods: In this retrospective study, all cases of primary epithelial salivary gland tumors, which had beenrecorded in a 5 years period from 2005-2009, were enrolled. Clinical data such as histopathologic type and site ofthe lesion as well as patients’ age and gender were analyzed.
Results: Data of 366 cases of SGTs were recorded.Pleomorphic adenoma (80.2%) and adenoid cystic carcinoma (46.6%) were the most common benign andmalignant neoplasms. Male to female ratio (M/F) and the mean age of patients were 1:1.05 and 37.7 for benigntumors while they were 1.2:1 and 50.6 for malignant tumors, respectively. Parotid and minor salivary glandswere involved more frequently.
Conclusions: Although the salivary gland tumours encountered were similar inmost of their characteristics to those reported in other countries, some differences such as relative frequencyand age and gender prevalence were discovered. These findings should help surgeons and pathologists for moreaccurate diagnosis, management and treatment.