[Epidemiological profile of primary malignant tumors of the salivary glands: about 154 cases]

Synovial Sarcoma of the Submaxillary Salivary Gland: A Rare Location and Challenging Diagnosis

Synovial sarcoma is a high-grade sarcoma. The periarticular region, deep soft tissues, and the extremities are where it is most frequently found. The head and neck regions are rarely affected and salivary gland localization is rather rare, especially the submaxillary gland. The process of diagnosis and therapeutic management remains challenging, particularly in cases with uncommon tumor locations where the establishment of a universal therapeutic consensus is complicated. Early diagnosis and a multidisciplinary approach can lead to success without locoregional recurrence or distant metastases.

Clinical and demographic features of minor salivary gland tumors: A collaborative study of 480 cases

OBJECTIVE

To describe the frequency, clinical, and demographic features of minor salivary gland tumors and possible associated factors.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

A cross-sectional study was conducted. Clinical and demographic data were collected from biopsy records of two oral pathology services. Chi-square test, Fisher's exact test, and descriptive statistical analysis were performed.

RESULTS

A total of 480 (0.89%) minor salivary gland tumors were retrieved, 272 (56.7%) benign and 147 (30.7%) malignant. Sixty-one (12.6%) had no subtype specification. Most patients were women (307/64.0%), in sixth decade of life (80/16.7%), with a mean age of 45.32 years. Palate was the most common site (336/70.1%). Pleomorphic adenoma (PA; 245/51.1%), mucoepidermoid carcinoma (MEC; 70/14.6%), and adenoid cystic carcinoma (ACC; 43/8.9%) were the most frequent tumors. Symptomatic case, recurrence, and tobacco use were associated with malignancy (p < 0.05). PA and MEC were more frequent in palate (p < 0.05). No association between the three most frequent histological types and gender or age group was observed (p > 0.05).

CONCLUSIONS

This represents one of the largest exclusive series of minor salivary gland tumors in Brazil and worldwide. PA, MEC, and ACC were the most frequent tumors. Clinical and demographic data are similar from Brazilian studies or from other countries.

[The importance of fine needle aspiration biopsy in the diagnosis of parotid tumors]

This study aimed to determine the diagnostic value of fine needle aspiration biopsy (FNAB) and of its contribution to the management of parotid tumors. We conducted a retrospective study of 47 patients who had undergone parotidectomy as well as preoperative fine needle aspiration biopsy. The study highlighted that eighty one percent of patients had a benign tumor while 19% of patients had a malignant tumor. The sensitivity and specificity of FNAB were 78% and 92% respectively. Parotid tumors were correctly classified as malignant or benign in 89% of cases, overall accuracy was 64.4%. FNAB is a reliable examination providing preoperative informations about the treatment plan and the postoperative course.