Benign Minor Salivary Gland Tumors

Epidemiology

The same neoplasms that arise in the parotid gland may arise in the submandibular gland. Only 10% of all salivary gland neoplasms occur in the submandibular gland. However, a larger percentage of tumors are malignant (50%) when compared with the parotid gland. This observation is more abundantly true for the sublingual and minor salivary gland tumors. Primary salivary gland tumors of the submandibular gland are rare. Approximately 40% of all tumors of the submandibular gland are benign mixed tumors. These tumors occur more often in females (2:1).

Clinical Findings

Patients often present with asymptomatic masses that have been present for several months. Pain and ulceration may be present; however, these are not consistent findings.

Pathology

The benign tumors that constitute minor salivary gland tumors include pleomorphic adenoma, monomorphic adenoma, and Warthin’s tumor. The pathology of these lesions has been reviewed in other sections of this text.