Malignant minor salivary gland tumors: A retrospective study of 28 cases: Clinical experience of a single institution

Purpose: This retrospective study was done to report our experience with the management of patients with primary malignant tumors of minor salivary glands that were treated with various combinations of surgery, radiation, and chemotherapy and to review treatment outcome. Methods: The records of all patients with malignant minor salivary gland tumors presenting for treatment at our department between 2000 and 2010 were retrospectively reviewed. Variables were collected and outcome measures were defined in terms of overall survival, disease-free survival. Descriptive statistics were compiled and statistically evaluated. Survival was described using the Kaplan-Meier method. Results: Twenty eight patients (10 males and 18 females) ranging in age from 18 to 80 years (median, 64 years) met the criteria for inclusion in the study. The majority of tumors were located in the oral cavity (n = 20), followed by nasal cavity and paranasal sinuses (n = 8). Adenoid cystic carcinoma was the most common neoplasm (n = 18). All patients were treated with surgery as the primary modality. Neck dissection was performed in 18% of patients, and all patients (n = 28) were treated with adjuvant external beam radiation therapy to a dose of 50 to 60 Gy. The disease-free survival rate and overall survival at 5 years were 80% and 85%, respectively. Conclusion: Postoperative radiation therapy is effective in preventing local recurrence in most patients with minor salivary gland tumors after gross total excision.