Epidemiology of Primary Epithelial Salivary Gland Tumors in Southern Poland-A 26-Year, Clinicopathologic, Retrospective Analysis

(1) Background: Epidemiological studies of epithelial salivary gland neoplasms are difficult to conduct effectively due to tumor rarity, histological heterogeneity, tumor location diversity, and a lack of national registries collecting data. This study presents 26 years of epidemiological data from a single institution in southern Poland that estimates incidence rates of primary epithelial salivary gland tumors. (2) Methods: The charts of 805 patients with epithelial salivary gland tumors were retrospectively reviewed. (3) Results: Pleomorphic adenomas occurred less frequently in elderly patients; however, Warthin tumors were more common (p < 0.001). Pediatric patients mainly suffered from mucoepidermoid carcinoma. The estimated crude and European age-standardized incidence rates of all primary epithelial salivary gland tumors were 6.7 and 6.02 per 100,000 population, respectively. The incidence rates of salivary gland tumors increased in recent years; however, this is attributed to an increase in benign tumors (p < 0.001). (4) Conclusions: The incidence of primary epithelial salivary gland tumors in southern Poland has increased over the past 26 years. This increase is attributed to a rise in the number of patients with benign tumors, particularly Warthin tumors in elderly patients. Moreover, the incidence of malignant salivary gland tumors appears to be higher in pediatric patients.

Automated summary

This study from a single institution in southern Poland over 26 years provides epidemiological data on primary epithelial salivary gland tumors, showing an increase in incidence rates attributed to benign tumors, particularly in elderly patients with Warthin tumors. Pediatric patients mainly suffered from mucoepidermoid carcinoma.