Histological types of malignant salivary gland tumors and their associated demographic factors as seen at Makerere University Pathology Core Reference Laboratory

Abstract

The 5th edition of the World Health Organization Classification of Head and Neck Tumors describes 21 malignant epithelial neoplasms. These tumors pose a challenge to diagnosis and treatment due to their high degree of heterogenicity and complex clinicopathological characteristic. Different studies conducted in different parts of the world and in Africa have revealed differences in the prevalence and histological patterns of MSGTs. In Uganda, there are no recent studies about the overall prevalence and histological patterns of MSGTs. The study aimed to determine the histological types of malignant salivary gland tumors and their associated demographic factors as seen at Makerere University Pathology Core Reference Laboratory. Methodology: This was a cross-sectional descriptive study carried out at Makerere University Core Pathology Reference Laboratory in which medical records of malignant salivary gland tumor cases were retrieved and reviewed using consecutive sampling method. Results: There were 38 cases with an average of age of 49.13 years (range 16-76), and 52.6% were females. Adenoid Cystic Carcinoma was the most common histological type (31.6%), while Basal Cell Carcinoma, Clear Cell Carcinoma, Lymphoepithelial Carcinoma and Myoepithelial Carcinoma were the least prevalent with each equally occurring at 2.6%. Minor glands (57.9%) had the most MSGTs, with the palate being the most significant (31.6%), while the parotid made up 62.5% of the major glands’ MSGTs. Conclusion: Adenoid Cystic Carcinoma were the most common histological type. The age range of 45-59 was the most affected, with a mean age of 49.13. A high proportion of MSGTs occurred in the palate and parotid. Given the small sample size, studies from other referral centers and study periods need to be done for stronger associations.