Main Article Content

Pattern of salivary gland neoplasm in Port Harcourt


AC Nwogbo
N Eke

Abstract

Background: Surgical treatment of a salivary gland tumour, especially the parotid, requires careful approach due to the anatomic presence of vulnerable vital structures. Early presentation and surgical treatment also contribute to successful treatment, especially if the lesion is malignant.
Aim: To highlight the pattern of salivary gland tumours as seen in Port Harcourt.
Methods: A 4-year retrospective study of patients with salivary gland tumours, both major and minor. The study was carried out from January 2007 to January 2011 and the cases used were seen at the University of Port Harcourt Teaching Hospital and Braithwaite Memorial Specialist Hospital, all in Port Harcourt. All case notes of patients that had salivary gland tumours were retrieved. Age, gender, anatomic location of tumour and histological reports were recorded and analyzed.
Results: Thirty-one patients with salivary gland tumours, out of a total of  eighty head and neck tumours seen in the period under review. There were 12 (38.7%) males and 19 females (61.32%), with male/female ratio of l:1.6. Age ranged between 25 and 65 years with an average age of 45 years.   Salivary glands  involved were parotid [20(64.5%)], sub-mandibular salivary gland [8(25.5%)] and buccoral minor salivary glands [3(9.7%)].
Conclusions:  Salivary gland tumuor is not uncommon in this locality. Late presentation appears to be the rule, with female preponderance. Surgical treatment is still a major option in the management of salivary gland tumours.

Journal Identifiers


eISSN: 0795-3038