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Abstract
BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVES:Salivary gland tumors are less commonly encountered head and neck neoplasms in day-to-day clinical practice. Although, they represent a trifle 3 – 5% of all head and neck malignancies, their remarkable intricacies and variability in anatomical relationships, structure, clinical presentation and behavior have stirred great interest and debate in their diagnosis and management.
The objective of this study was to study the clinical presentation with respect to age, sex predilection, site distribution, and the histo-pathological varieties of these salivary tumors, evaluate the efficacy of FNAC as a diagnostic modality, and the treatment modalities available.
STUDY DESIGN:Prospective study of patients with salivary tumors admitted to the surgical departments of VIMS, Bellary.
METHODS:A total of 30 patients with salivary tumors admitted in departments of Surgery, ENT, Maxillo-facial surgery and Radiotherapy were included in this study. Study conducted over Two-year period, with patients profiled between January 2010 to June 2011, and a post-operatively followed-up for 6 months. Each case recorded in detailed Case Record Proforma including detailed history, exam findings, Investigations including FNAC, HPE, Treatment and follow-up for complications with special reference to nerve injuries.
RESULTS:Out of the 30 cases of salivary gland tumors, 25 were benign and 5 were malignant. Patients were in age group of 19 – 70 years. 16 cases were females and remaining 14 were males. 21 cases underwent superficial parotidectomy, while 3 patients each underwent Total Conservative parotidectomy and Wide excision. 2 patients underwent En-bloc Resection with neck dissection. One patient with inoperable tumor was treated with Palliative radiotherapy. One patient reported with recurrence after surgery. The exact cyto-histological correlation by FNAC was 96% for benign tumors and 60% for malignant tumors.
INTERPRETATION & CONCLUSION:Parotid is the most common site for salivary malignancy. Pleomorphic Adenoma is the commonest benign tumor. Muco-Epidermoid Carcinoma is the commonest malignant tumor. Salivary tumors have female predominance and occur frequently in 3rd and 4th decades. Superficial parotidectomy is the commonest surgery performed. Facial nerve injury is the commonest post-operative complication. FNAC is an excellent diagnostic tool. Long-term follow-up is prudent.
