Salivary Duct Carcinoma in Parotid Gland : Report of Six Cases

Salivary duct carcinoma (SDC) is a relatively rare salivary gland neoplasm that only recently has been recognized as a separate entity. We have found 6 cases of SDC treated in our department between 1968 and 1994 and have reviewed their clinical features. All patients were men and thier ages ranged from 38 to 62. Four patients had ipsilateral facial paralysis. Parotidectomy or extended parotidectomy followed by radiation therapy was performed in 4 cases ; this procedure was done with unilateral upper neck dissection in two cases. Parotidectomy followed by chemotherapy was performed in one case. Biopsy of the tumor followed by radiation and chemotherapy was done in one case. Five patients died within 3.5 years. One patient was followed up for 6.2 years and had no evidence of disease. SDC appears to be a highly malignant tumor requiring aggressive combined therapy.