• Korean Journal of Head & Neck Oncology
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• v.20 no.1
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• pp.24-28
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• 2004

Background and Objectives: Salivary gland tumors are relatively rare and constitute 3% to 4% of all head and neck neoplasms. Their relative infrequency, inconsistent classification, and highly variable biologic behavior make some difficulty, but some general features can be drawn regarding the incidence, pathology, and pattern of behavior of the various benign and malignant tumors of salivary glands. The present study aims to provide a clinical characteristics of salivary gland tumors. Materials and Methods: We analyzed retrospectively clinical features of the 138 patients who were treated surgically at Chonbuk National University Hospital from 1992 through 2002. Results: We found 107 benign and 31 malignant tumors. Among the patients, 58 were males and 80 were females. The most common age group was the fifties. The most common site of both benign and malignant was parotid gland in major salivary glands and palatal region in minor salivary glands. The most common presenting symptom was palpable mass in both benign and malignant tumor. Histopathologically, the most common type was pleomorphic adenoma in benign tumor and mucoepidermoid carcinoma in malignant tumor. All cases were treated surgically and the most common postoperative complications was transient facial nerve weakness. Conclusion: 138 cases of salivary gland tumors were presented with respect to their clinical features.