Salivary Gland Neoplasms In Zaria, Nigeria: A 20-Year Retrospective Analysis

Abstract

Background: Salivary gland neoplasms are rare and can pose complex diagnostic questions and management challenges to the Histopathologist and Surgeon respectively. Materials and Methods: The study was carried out in the Pathology Department of the Ahmadu Bello University Teaching Hospital (ABUTH) Zaria, Nigeria. Universal sampling was employed, in which from the departmental records(Reception Registers, Bench Books, Request forms, etc), all cases registered as salivary gland tumors over the period: 1st January, 1989 to 31st December 2008 (20 years) were consecutively selected specifically with respect to patients’ age, sex, and site of biopsy. The corresponding Hematoxylin and Eosin (H & E) stained slides were retrieved from the departmental archives and reviewed using diagnostic criteria laid down by WHO Classification of Tumors of the Head and Neck. Data obtained was entered into and analyzed using the Statistical Package for the Social Sciences (SPSS, 20) and presented using frequencies and percentages. Results: Salivary gland neoplasms constituted 2.1% of all neoplastic lesions seen in the study period. The male-to-female ratio was equal. Peak age range was 31-40 years. Malignant tumours accounted for 50.7% (n = 131) and benign tumours 49.2% (n = 127). Pleomorphic adenoma had the highest frequency of 43.4% and adenoid cystic carcinoma was the second commonest (25.9%). Conclusion: Salivary gland neoplasms are rare with males being more likely to have malignant salivary gland tumors as compared to females.