Prognostic factors in malignancy of the minor salivary glands

Background The purpose of this study was to identify prognostic factors associated with minor salivary gland malignancies. Method This was a retrospective study of 171 patients. Statistical analysis of both clinical and pathological parameters with survival outcomes was performed. Results Adenoid cystic carcinoma (46.8%), mucoepidermoid carcinoma (22.8%), and adenocarcinoma (18.7%) were the most common pathologies. The most frequent sites of primary tumor were in the oral cavity (44.4%) and nasal cavity (40.4%). The 5‐year and 10‐year overall survivals were 73.8% and 58.1%. Disease‐specific survivals (DSS) were 78.2% and 66.7% and disease‐free survivals (DFS) were 64.8% and 47.5%, respectively. Local recurrence rate was 26.9%, regional recurrence 7%, and distant failure was 18.7%. The grade of tumor was the only factor associated with DSS on multivariate analysis. Conclusion Overall and DSS of minor salivary gland malignancies were good. Surgery, either alone or in combination with radiation, was an efficacious treatment modality. High‐grade tumors were associated with worse DSF. © 2008 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. Head Neck, 2009