Clinico-Pathologic Review of Salivary Glands Neoplasms in a Nigerian University Teaching Hospital: A Five Year Retrospective Survey

Salivary gland neoplasms account for 0.5-2% of all tumors worldwide, and can display a remarkable range of morphological diversity between different tumor types. The aim of this retrospective study was to present the clinico-pathologic characteristics of salivary gland neoplasms in a tertiary referral hospital in northwest region of Nigeria. Clinical and histopathological records of patients with salivary gland lesions that presented to the department of Dental and Maxillofacial Surgery only, Usmanu Danfodiyo University Teaching Hospital Sokoto, between January 2013 to December 2017, was evaluated. Data concerning age, gender, location and type of salivary gland lesion, and histologic subtypes were collected. A total of 76 cases of salivary gland neoplasms were retrieved and analyzed. There were 35 (46.1%) males and 41 (53.9%) females with M:F of 1.2:1. Mean±SD age of 31.04±18.9, and range 1-73 years was observed. 53 (69.7%) cases were benign while 23 (30.3%) were malignant. Most of the benign and malignant cases were seen in the 4th decade of life. 23 (30.3%) lesions were seen in the parotid gland with 18 (23.7%) benign and 5 (6.6%) malignant. In the minor salivary glands, 15 (19.7%) lesions were observed in the palate with 4 (5.3%) benign and 11 (14.5%) malignant. Of the benign cases, pleomorphic adenoma was the most frequent 41 (53.9%) while mucoepidermoid carcinoma was the most occurring malignant case (12 (15.8%)). A distribution ratio of 1.9:1.3:1:2.2 for parotid, submandibular, sublingual, and minor salivary gland neoplasms was encountered. The peak incidences of benign and malignant tumors were in the 4th decade, which is different from Caucasians.