Background: Salivary gland tumours constitute a significant subset of head and neck neoplasms, accounting for approximately 3–6% of all tumours in this anatomical region. The major salivary glands — namely the parotid, submandibular, and sublingual glands — are commonly involved in a variety of pathological conditions, ranging from benign lesions to aggressive malignant tumours. These tumours are characterized by diverse histopathological subtypes and a wide spectrum of clinical presentations, which can range from asymptomatic, slow-growing masses to painful, rapidly enlarging swellings with features such as facial nerve involvement or regional metastasis in malignant cases. Due to this diversity, accurate clinical evaluation, supported by imaging modalities (such as ultrasonography, CT scan, or MRI) and cytological/histopathological diagnosis, is essential for appropriate classification and treatment planning. The management of major salivary gland swellings requires a multidisciplinary approach to ensure accurate diagnosis, timely intervention, and optimal patient outcomes. Aim:This study is undertaken with the aim of evaluating the Clinical profile of patients with major salivary gland swellings, Diagnostic methods utilized (including imaging and cytology), Treatment modalities employed and Outcomes observed in patients managed at our institution. Methods: A total of 15 cases were selected based on inclusion criteria. Each patient underwent detailed history-taking, clinical examination, and diagnostic tests, including FNAC and imaging such as ultrasound or CT after obtaining informed consent. Surgical treatment was performed, and the decision on the procedure was made intraoperatively by the attending surgeon. Resected specimens were sent for histopathological examination to confirm the diagnosis. Postoperative care included monitoring surgical drains and suture removal on the fifth day. Malignant cases were referred to a higher center for further treatment, and all patients were advised to follow a structured follow-up schedule to detect complications or recurrence. Results: The majority of salivary gland tumors were benign and occurred more commonly in females (53.3%) than males (33.3%), with malignant tumors found only in females (13%). Most benign tumors were seen in the 31–40 age group, while malignant tumors appeared only in patients over 40 years of age. The parotid gland was the most frequently affected site, accounting for over 70% of all tumors, including all malignant cases, whereas the submandibular gland contributed only benign tumors, and no cases involved the sublingual gland. Swelling was the most common presenting symptom (15) while pain was less frequent, and no cases of facial palsy or recurrence were reported. Superficial parotidectomy was the most commonly performed procedure followed by excision, total parotidectomy, and radical parotidectomy. Histopathological examination revealed pleomorphic adenoma as the most common tumor type, with only single cases of Warthin tumor and mucoepidermoid carcinoma, and no cases of acinar cell carcinoma. Conclusion: Salivary gland tumors are most common in the parotid gland, particularly among females in their 3rd to 5th decades, with pleomorphic adenoma being the predominant type. Diagnosis is effectively aided by clinical examination and FNAC, which shows high accuracy. Surgery, mainly superficial parotidectomy, is the primary treatment, and long-term follow-up is essential due to the risk of recurrence and possible malignant transformation.
Pattar et al. (Tue,) studied this question.
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