title: Malignant neoplasms of the major salivary glands.
abstract: Between January 1, 1968 and December 31, 1978, 42 patients with malignant lesions involving the major salivary glands were seen at the Medical College of Virginia. A 60% 2-year survival and a 42% 5-year survival were noted. Histologic type was the major determinant of survival. Symptoms other than a painless mass, a largest dimension greater than 4 cm, older age, and clinical spread outside the gland were all suggestive of both a more malignant histologic type and a worse prognosis. Based on these observations, a plan is proposed for the diagnostic approach and treatment of salivary gland masses that is based on the mode of presentation and histologic findings.
mesh_terms: D000230:Adenocarcinoma / Q000175:diagnosis / Q000628:therapy; D000293:Adolescent; D000328:Adult; D000368:Aged; D002277:Carcinoma / Q000175:diagnosis / Q000628:therapy; D002294:Carcinoma, Squamous Cell / Q000175:diagnosis / Q000628:therapy; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D009364:Neoplasm Recurrence, Local; D011379:Prognosis; D012468:Salivary Gland Neoplasms / Q000175:diagnosis / Q000628:therapy