Submandibular gland tumors: Clinical experience of Guillermo Grant Benavente Hospital

Abstract

Introduction: Submandibular gland tumors are rare. They represent less than 1% of all head and neck tumors. They correspond to 10% of the tumors of the salivary glands. Approximately 50% are malignant. Aim: To analyze the clinical experience with the submandibulectomies performed in the Otorhinolaryngology and Head and Neck Surgery Service of the Guillermo Grant Benavente Hospital. Material and Method: Retrospective descriptive study. Review of clinical records of patients treated with a submandibulectomy between January 1, 2011 and December 31, 2016 in our service. Results: 28 submandibulectomies were performed due to tumor pathology. The average age was 54 years, being 71% female. 21 tumors were benign (75%), being the most frequent the pleomorphic adenoma (14 cases), and 7 malignant tumors (25%), being the most frequent the adenoidequistic carcinoma. Two transient complications (7%) were reported, a paresis of the marginal branch of the facial nerve and a paresis of the hypoglossal nerve. 42% of malignant tumors presented recurrence. Conclusion: Our series presents results according to the literature regarding age of presentation, distribution by sex, histological types, complication rate and recurrence; however, it differs in the lower frequency of malignant tumors, being in our series of 25%. Uncommon pathology. The presence of a submandibular painless mass must be referred to the reference centers for study and possible surgical resolution due to the risk of malignancy.