Prognostic Difference According to the Site of Origin (Major vs. Minor) of Salivary Gland Carcinoma

Background/Aim: Most research on salivary gland carcinoma (SGC) has predominantly focused on the parotid gland or a single histological subtype. This study aimed to evaluate all patients with SGC at a single institution and determine whether the primary site affected patient survival.

Patients and Methods: Overall, data for 164 patients with SGC treated at Kyushu University Hospital were retrospectively analyzed. Patient characteristics and survival outcomes were evaluated, with tumors categorized as originating from major or minor salivary glands.

Results: Of 164 tumors, 127 (77.4%) arose from major salivary glands and 37 (22.6%) from minor glands. Cox proportional hazards analysis showed no significant difference in overall or distant metastasis-free survival between major and minor salivary gland tumor origin.

Conclusion: Major or minor site of origin of SGC did not significantly affect overall or distant metastasis-free survival. Conversely, intermediate/high pathological grade, and lymph node metastasis were poor prognostic factors.