Purpose: Submandibular gland tumor is rare, less than 6% of head and neck tumor. The purpose of this article is to analysis the clinical experience and treatment outcomes of malignant submandibular gland tumor, suggesting a guideline of management.
Methods: We retrospectively evaluated 26 patients who underwent operation for malignant submandibular gland tumor at Severence hospital between 1986 and 2004. Statistical analysis was performed by Kaplan-Meier method, log rank test, Chi-square test, Fisher’’s exact test using SPSS v12.0 for Windows.
Results: They consisted of 18 males and 8 females whose median age was 47 years(range: 20-71). 10 cases of adenocystic carcinoma, 8 cases of carcinoma ex pleomorphic adenoma, 4 cases of mucoepidermoid carcinoma, 1 case each for acinic cell carcinoma, undifferentiated carcinoma, adeno carcinoma, epithelioid hemangioendothelioma. Sialoadenectomy only was performed in 10 cases(36.5%) and sialoadenectomy with neck node dissection was performed in 16 cases(63.5%). Adjuvant radiotherapy was done in 22 cases(84.6%). 10 year disease free survival rate for malignant submandibular gland tumor was 63.1 % and 10 year overall survival rate for malignant submandibular gland tumor was 70.1%. In univariate analysis, prognostic factors affecting recurrence of malignant submandibular gland tumor was initially papable lateral neck node in physical examination and metastasis of lateral neck node in pathologic confirmation. The prognostic factors affecting survival of malignant submandibular gland tumor was tumor size, TNM stage, recurrence and type of recurrence.
Conclusion: In this study, prognostic factors affecting recurrence of malignant submandibular gland tumor was initially papable lateral neck node in physical examination and metastasis of lateral neck node in pathologic confirmation. The prognostic factors affecting survival of malignant submandibular gland tumor was tumor size, TNM stage, recurrence and type of recurrence. To prevent recurrence and to improve survival, early diagnosis and aggressive surgery must be considered.
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