Minor salivary gland carcinoma involving the oral cavity or oropharynx.
BACKGROUND
Minor salivary gland carcinomas are uncommon but most often occur in the oral cavity, particularly the hard palate. Dental examination may provide an opportunity for early detection.


METHODS
Patients referred to the multidisciplinary head and neck clinic at Westmead Hospital between 1980-2002 with a diagnosis of minor salivary gland carcinoma of the oral cavity or oropharynx were retrospectively identified. Data were collected on histology, treatment, outcome and the referring practitioner.


RESULTS
A total of 30 patients diagnosed with a malignant minor salivary gland carcinoma were identified. Many patients, 16/30 (53 per cent), were referred by dentists. There were 15 males and 15 females with a mean age of 62 years (range, 22-86 yrs). Most (73 per cent) presented with early stage disease (stage 1/11). Adenoid cystic carcinoma was the most common histological subtype (40 per cent) followed by mucoepidermoid carcinoma (30 per cent) and polymorphous low-grade adenocarcinoma (20 per cent). All but two patients underwent surgery with 12/30 (40 per cent) also receiving adjuvant radiotherapy usually in the setting of an incomplete/close margin. One patient developed local recurrence and one developed widespread metastatic disease. At last follow-up 83 per cent of patients were alive and disease free.


CONCLUSIONS
Early diagnosis and treatment of minor salivary gland carcinoma is likely to lead to a better outcome. In our study dentists were responsible for half of all referrals to our multidisciplinary head and neck clinic. Awareness of this uncommon entity is important for dental practitioners.
Hyam
D M
DM
The University of Sydney.
Veness
M J
MJ
Morgan
G J
GJ
D000230:Adenocarcinoma / Q000453:epidemiology; D000328:Adult; D000368:Aged; D000369:Aged, 80 and over; D003528:Carcinoma, Adenoid Cystic / Q000453:epidemiology; D018277:Carcinoma, Mucoepidermoid / Q000453:epidemiology; D018572:Disease-Free Survival; D005260:Female; D005500:Follow-Up Studies; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D009367:Neoplasm Staging; D009517:New South Wales / Q000453:epidemiology; D009959:Oropharyngeal Neoplasms / Q000453:epidemiology* / Q000601:surgery; D010157:Palatal Neoplasms / Q000453:epidemiology* / Q000601:surgery; D018714:Radiotherapy, Adjuvant / Q000706:statistics & numerical data; D012017:Referral and Consultation / Q000706:statistics & numerical data; D012189:Retrospective Studies; D012468:Salivary Gland Neoplasms / Q000453:epidemiology* / Q000601:surgery; D012470:Salivary Glands, Minor / Q000473:pathology*