Spectrum of Major Salivary Gland Tumours: Clinicopathologic Study

Neoplastic lesions of the salivary glands present an interesting subject matter because of their great histologic diversification. The complex features exhibited by many of these neoplasms has aroused considerable speculations concerning their histogenesis, and till date continues to hold the interest of clinicians and pathologists. A total of 75 cases of major salivary gland neoplasms were studied. In each patient, age and sex, clinical history, presenting symptoms and their duration were recorded. A thorough general and physical examination was carried out and the details recorded in a proforma. Post surgical specimens were studied in detail to know the histomorphological patterns. The peak incidence of the tumors was in the third to fourth decade (26.7%), with a slight female preponderance. Parotid gland was the most commonly affected (80%). Localized swelling was the commonest symptom (100%) followed by pain. Benign tumours (83.7%) overnumbered the malignant ones, with pleomorphic adenoma being the commonest. Major salivary gland neoplasms unlike other sites present with non – specific symptoms. Histological examination, helps not only in establishing the diagnosis but also in the categorizing and grading of these tumours.