Histological variants of benign and malignant neoplasms of salivary glands at the Luis Guillermo Ibarra Ibarra National Rehabilitation Institute between 2015 and 2024

Abstract

INTRODUCTION:

Benign salivary gland neoplasms constitute a heterogeneous group of tumors, representing approximately 60-70% of salivary gland tumors. Histologically, pleomorphic adenoma and Warthin's tumor are the most frequent variants, both with well-described clinicopathological characteristics in the medical literature. Accurate classification and management of these lesions remain a challenge, given their morphological variations and overlap with malignant neoplasms. Currently, there is limited evidence in the national medical literature regarding the distribution and demographic characteristics of this group of neoplasms in the Mexican population. Analyzing distribution patterns and histological characteristics in our population is fundamental to optimizing the diagnosis and surgical treatment of these neoplasms.

OBJECTIVE:

To describe the frequency and distribution of benign vs. malignant neoplasms. Malignant salivary gland tumors confirmed by histopathology in the patient population of the INR-LGII during the period of 2015-2024, comparing the demographic characteristics of our patient population with those reported in national and international studies.

METHODOLOGY:

Study Design:

Observational, descriptive, retrospective study based on a review of medical records and histopathological reports of patients diagnosed with benign and malignant salivary gland neoplasms during the period from January 2015 to December 2024.

Inclusion criteria:

Patients with a clinical diagnosis confirmed by histopathology of benign and malignant salivary gland neoplasms, with complete and adequately documented medical records.

Exclusion criteria:

Patients with a histopathologically confirmed diagnosis of salivary gland neoplasm due to metastasis from a primary tumor.
Patients with inflammatory lesions of the salivary glands confirmed by histopathology.

RESULTS:

A total of 260 medical records were reviewed, of which 40 cases were identified that met the inclusion criteria for the study design. The mean age of the patients was 47.10 years. Of all cases, 30 (75%) of the identified lesions were classified as benign neoplasms and 10 (25%) as malignant neoplasms. Similar to what has been previously reported in the national and international literature, the parotid gland was the most frequently affected salivary gland, with a total of 31 cases (77%). The most frequently diagnosed benign histopathological variants were pleomorphic adenoma, with a total of 20 cases (50%), and Warthin's tumor, with 6 cases (15%). The most frequent malignant neoplasms were adenoid cystic carcinoma and carcinoma arising from a pleomorphic adenoma, with 4 (10%) and 3 (7.5%) cases, respectively.

CONCLUSIONS:

Our results are consistent with those reported in the national and international literature. In our sample of cases, a predominance of benign tumors was identified, along with a heterogeneous distribution by sex and age. The location and affected glands are consistent with what has been reported in the current literature. Further research and studies with multicenter analyses are needed to contribute to the demographic and epidemiological understanding of this group of neoplasms in our national population.