Minor salivary gland tumours in Kaduna, Nigeria

Abstract

Objective: To determine the incidence, clinical presentation and management of minor salivary gland tumours at the Ahmadu Bello University Teaching Hospital, Kaduna, Nigeria.


Methods: Retrospective study of minor salivary gland tumours at Ahmadu Bello University Teaching Hospital, Kaduna, Nigeria.


Results: The incidence of minor salivary gland tumours during a 15-year period was sixty-seven. There were 35 (52.45%) benign and 32 (42.76%) malignant tumours. Male: female ratio was 1.03:1. The commonest site was the palate. Majority of the patients were between the 3rd and 5th decades of life with duration of 2 weeks to 192 months. Surgical treatment was the commonest mode of treatment. The follow up period was poor with an overall recurrence rate of 4.48%.


Conclusion: Minor salivary gland tumours are rare. Follow-up in this environment is poor. There is a need to educate the patients about the importance of early presentation and recall visits.


Key Words: Salivary glands, minor, tumour, treatment


Nigerian Journal of Surgical Research Vol.5(1&2) 2003: 100-105