Incidence and survival rates for malignant salivary gland tumors

Abstract

The aims of this study were to determine the incidence of malignant salivary gland tumors (MSGTs) in a specific in Spanish Mediterranean population, evaluate oncological outcomes, and identify prognostic factors for survival. Overall survival and disease-free survival rates were calculated for 23 patients with MSGTs who were treated in our department during 2004-2012. In the recruitment population of the reference hospital, annual incidence per 100,000 inhabitants was estimated, with corresponding 95% confidence intervals (CIs). The mean annual incidence of MSGTs was 0.91 new cases per 100,000 inhabitants (95% CI, 0.14-2.83). The most common histological type was squamous cell carcinoma (34.8%). Overall survival ranged from 2 to 120 months (mean 70.5 months). The 5-year overall survival rate was 52.5%, and the 5-year disease-free survival rate was 50%. The mean disease-free interval was 73.9 months (95% CI 47.1-100.7). Metastatic spread, tumor stage, perineural invasion, a submaxillary location, tumor size, histological grade, positive lymph node status, and presence of positive surgical resection margins were the most important factors in patient survival. Our results are consistent with those of other studies in relation to disease incidence but differ somewhat with respect to histological type.