Clinicopathological Spectrum of Salivary Gland Lesions - A Retrospective Study from Tertiary Care Research Institute, Andhra Pradesh

Introduction: The salivary glands are subjected to various pathological conditions ranging from simple inflammation to most complex malignant lesions. Majority of these lesions can be diagnosed by simple histopathological examination. But, as these salivary gland lesions are not common, the incidence of these varies in different geographic locations. Aim: To study the spectrum of different salivary gland lesions and demographic data in a tertiary care hospital serving North East coastal area of Andhra Pradesh. Materials and Methods: This was a retrospective study conducted in Great Eastern Medical School and Hospital,Srikakulam, Andhra Pradesh, India. Total of 85 salivary gland lesions were analyzed for a period of 4 years (December 2015 to November 2019). From the records of Histopathology, Department of Pathology, data was retrieved. Typing of the salivary gland tumours were done using sections stained with Hematoxylin and Eosin (H&E). All the cases were analysed and divided according to the demographics and histological type. Descriptive statistics were used and data was tabulated in frequency and percentages. Results: A total of 85 salivary gland lesions were studied, of which 14 (16%) were non-neoplastic and 71 (84%) were neoplastic in nature. Among the neoplastic lesions, 56 (66%) were benign and 15 (18%) were malignant. There was slight male preponderance with a ratio of M:F=1.3:1. Majority of the tumours occurred in parotid gland (73), followed by submandibular gland (7) and minor salivary glands (5). All the tumours were classified and graded according to World Health Organization (WHO), while Brandwein Grading System was followed for mucoepidermoid carcinoma. Pleomorphic adenoma was the most frequent benign tumour and mucoepidermoid carcinoma was the most common malignant tumour. Conclusion: Though benign salivary gland tumours are more frequently encountered in the present study, malignant salivary gland tumours are not uncommon.