Recurrence after primary salivary gland carcinoma: Frequency, survival, and risk factors

BackgroundPrimary salivary gland carcinomas (SGC) are rare neoplasms that present therapeutic challenges especially in recurrent tumors. The aim of this study was to investigate the incidence and distribution of tumor recurrence, associated risk factors, and survival.MethodsThis analysis includes data from 318 patients treated for SGC between 1992 and 2020. Survival analysis was performed using the Kaplan-Meier method. Univariate and multivariate analyses were used to identify risk factors associated with recurrence.Results21.7% of the patients developed recurrent disease after a mean of 38.2 months. In multivariate analysis, positive-resection margins, vascular invasion, and tumor localization in the submandibular gland and small salivary glands were independent factors for recurrence. The 5-year overall survival was 67%, the 5-year disease-free survival was 54%.ConclusionTumor recurrence in SGC occurred in one out of five patients. In highly aggressive entities and patients with risk factors, treatment intensification should be considered.