Tumors of minor salivary origin

All cases of minor salivary neoplasm seen at Memorial Hospital during a 25-year period are reviewed. More than 88% had malignant tumors, and adenoidcystic carcinoma was the lesion most frequently encountered. Although the palate was the site most often involved, great diversity in clinical presentation was noted. Neither the symptomatology nor the gross appearance was of assistance in predicting the histology of these lesions. All but 10% of the patients were treated surgically. Elective radical neck dissection was avoided in those with malignant tumors inasmuch as metastases were as likely to appear in distant sites as in regional lymph nodes. The determinate “cure” rate 5, 10, and 15 years after treatment was 44.5, 32.6, and 21.4%, respectively. Histology, anatomic site, and the extent of the disease were the factors which most influenced survival.