The frequency and distribution pattern of minor salivary gland tumors in a government dental teaching hospital, Chennai, India.

OBJECTIVES: Data are not available regarding distribution of minor salivary gland tumors from the specialist pathology setting in India. The purpose of this study was to determine the relative frequency and distribution of minor salivary gland tumors and to compare the data with pertinent studies.

STUDY DESIGN: The records and archival samples of the Department of Oral and Maxillofacial Pathology, Tamil Nadu Government Dental College and Hospital, Chennai, India, served as source material for this retrospective study. All cases with a diagnosis of minor salivary gland tumors recorded between 1971 and August 2008 were retrieved and reviewed.

RESULTS: A total of 185 minor salivary gland tumors were identified with reference to the latest World Health Organization classification, representing a relative frequency of 1.52% over the study period of 37 years (1971-2008) from 12,147 biopsy samples. Malignant tumors (75%) predominated over benign tumors (25%). The age range was 12-82 years with a mean of 46 years. Mucoepidermoid carcinoma was the most frequent tumor (34%), followed by pleomorphic adenoma (22%), adenoid cystic carcinoma (15%), and polymorphous low-grade adenocarcinoma (10%). The overall gender distribution was almost equal. Palate was the most frequent involved site, followed by alveolar mucosa and floor of the mouth.

CONCLUSIONS: The present study shows a higher proportion of malignant tumors and a tendency toward male predilection during the past decades. The overall data are consistent with hospital-based studies from Asia and series from other geographic regions.