Background: Minor salivary gland (MSG) carcinomas of the head and neck are rare cancers with variable clinical behavior. MSG tumors are a group of complex, heterogenous histologies, most commonly occurring in the oral cavity. MSG tumors are uncommon, accounting for only 15-20% of all salivary gland tumors.
Methods: Patient files and records of patients meeting inclusion criteria were reviewed and the following data was collected: patient demographics and risk factors, pre-operative clinical characteristics including major and minor subsite, lymph node status etc. Patient follow-up time, any recurrences or death were also recorded. Histological data of the primary lesion was recorded, as well as nodal characteristics. The primary outcome was overall survival (OS), with secondary outcomes including disease-specific survival (DSS), recurrence-free survival (RFS).
Results: 38 patients were identified from the initial search strategy. 7 patients were excluded due to inoperable disease at presentation with 3 others treated for recurrence with primary surgery having been performed elsewhere. 5-year OS, DSS and was 87% and 94% respectively. There was no statistical difference in OS based on T-stage (p=0.263), N-stage (p=0.552) or adjuvant RT (0.882).
Conclusion: MSG tumours of the head and neck have good overall survival despite recurrences. Outcome and prognosis is dependent on tumour histology.