Epidemiology, outcomes, and prognostic factors in submandibular gland carcinomas: a national DAHANCA study

PurposeThe aim of this study is to present incidence, histological subtypes, survival rates, and prognostic factors based on a national cohort of patients with salivary gland carcinoma.MethodsAll Danish patients with submandibular gland carcinoma diagnosed from 1990 to 2015 (n = 206) were included and analyzed following histological re-evaluation. Data were collected by the Danish Head and Neck Cancer Group (DAHANCA). Overall, disease-specific and recurrence-free survival were evaluated. Prognostic factors were analyzed with multivariate Cox Hazard Regression.ResultsThe study population consisted of 109 (53%) men and 97 (47%) women, median age 62 years (range 11-102). Adenoid cystic carcinoma was the most frequent subtype (50%). Tumour classification T1/T2 (75%) and N0 (78%) was most frequent. The mean crude incidence was 0.17/100,000/year. Most patients (n = 194, 94%) were treated with primary surgery, and 130 (67%) received postoperative radiotherapy. The 5- and 10-year survival rates were for overall survival 64% and 41%, disease-specific survival 74% and 61%, and recurrence-free survival 70% and 56%, respectively. Survival rates were higher for adenoid cystic carcinoma compared to other subtypes, but the difference was not significant in multivariate analysis. Recurrence occurred in 69 patients, and 37 (53.6%) of them had recurrence in a distant site. Advanced T-classification and regional lymph-node metastases had significant negative impact on survival rates.ConclusionThe incidence of submandibular gland carcinoma in Denmark was 0.17/100,000/year and stable during the time period. The most frequent subtype was adenoid cystic carcinoma. Half of the recurrences presented in a distant site, and multivariate analysis confirmed that advanced stage was independent negative prognostic factor for recurrence and survival.

Automated summary

The aim of this study was to report the incidence, histological subtypes, survival rates, and prognostic factors of salivary gland carcinoma based on a national cohort. All Danish patients with submandibular gland carcinoma diagnosed from 1990 to 2015 were included and analyzed. The study found that the most frequent subtype was adenoid cystic carcinoma and that advanced stage had a negative impact on survival rates.