Salivary gland cancer — epidemiology

Abstract

Salivary gland tumors represent 3–11% of all head and neck cancers and 0.2% of all neoplasms. Among Poles, mali­gnancies involving the large salivary glands constituted 0.3% of all malignancies in Poland and 9.7% of head and neck neoplasms. In 2014, the morbidity rate was higher among women, but over the past 15 years there has been a slight prevalence among men. As for benign neoplasms in Poland, the most commonly seen are pleomorphic adenoma and Warthin’s tumor. Cystic glandular cancer, mucoid epidermal carcinoma and adenocarcinoma are among the most frequent malignancies. Less common are lymphoma and squamous cell carcinoma. Salivary gland neoplasms are usually located in the parotid gland, then in the sub-mandibular gland. The best prognosis is for women whose cancers are located in the parotid gland and those with lobular carcinoma. Figures have been on the rise lately, ho­wever. Deaths have been on a stable level.