Salivary Gland Neoplasms in Hospital Universiti Sains Malaysia (HUSM): A Retrospective Study

Objective: To determine the sociodemographic profile (age, gender, and race), site and type of salivary gland neoplasms in Hospital Universiti Sains Malaysia (HUSM). Design: A retrospective record review. Material and methods: All the records of patients diagnosed with salivary gland neoplasms from January 1991 to June 2008 were retrieved. Data related to age, gender, race, site and type of salivary gland neoplasms were obtained from these records. Results: Forty patients were diagnosed to have salivary gland neoplasms from January 1991 to Jun 2008. Their age range was 15 - 76 years with the mean age of 48.3 (SD 15.3). Twenty two (55.0%) patients were females. Most of the patients diagnosed were Malay (85.0.%). Benign neoplasms were more prevalent than malignant neoplasms (65.0%). The most common neoplasm was in parotid gland (52.5%) where 69.2% were benign. The most common site for malignant neoplasms was in maxilla (35.7%). Pleomorphic adenoma was the most common type of salivary gland neoplasms (62.5%). Recurrence after surgery reported in 53.8% of malignant salivary gland cases. Conclusion: Salivary gland neoplasms seem to occur earlier in our population and are in rising. The information in this report provides a scientific evidence of the rare but significantly important cases in developing country. Early detection of these disorders is therefore recommended to ensure successful management and to prevent their recurrence.