SALIVARY GLAND NEOPLASMS IN UNUSUAL SITES IN THE HEAD AND NECK REGION: A REVIEW OF 57 CASES IN IBADAN

Salivary Gland Neoplasms in Unusual Head and Neck Sites

Abstract

BACKGROUND: The seromucinous glands of the nasal cavity, 
larynx, bronchi and ectopic sites share similar histology and 
repertoire of neoplasms with major and minor salivary glands. These 
rare neoplasms can be termed salivary gland neoplasms in unusual 
sites (SGNUS).  
OBJECTIVE: To determine the pattern of presentation of SGNUS in 
the head and neck region

METHODS: The records of the Departments of Oral Pathology and 
Pathology, University College Hospital Ibadan were examined and 
all histopathologically diagnosed salivary gland tumours (SGTs) 
occurring outside commonly known sites were included in the study. 
Demographic data such as patients’ age, gender, tumour topography 
and diagnosis were documented and analysed.  
RESULTS: SGNUS made up 13.8% of SGTs seen with malignant 
tumours constituting 91.2%. The most common histological sub-type 
was adenoid cystic carcinoma (ACC) with 31.6% cases, while the 
mean age of occurrence of SGNUS was 47.9 ± 16.2 years. The 
tumours occurred more in males with M: F ratio of 1.5:1. The site 
with the most common affectation was the nasal cavity with 35.1%.  
CONCLUSION: SGTs in unusual sites in the head and neck region 
have a tendency to be malignancies. They occur more frequently in 
males and are prevalent in the nasal cavity as shown by this study.