Histopathological spectrum of salivary gland lesions in Ajmer region, Rajasthan, India

Background: There is a wide spectrum of salivary gland lesions with morphological and clinical diversity which makes it a difficult task for histopathological interpretation. Tumours of salivary glands are uncommon accounting for 3-10% of the total tumors of head and neck region and less than one percent of all tumours. The aim of this study was to recognize various histomorphological patterns of salivary gland lesions, their frequency, age, gender and site wise distribution.Methods: This study was carried out from June 2015 to May 2018 in the department of Pathology, JLN Medical College and associated Group of Hospitals, Ajmer. Total 121 cases of salivary gland lesions were included. Specimens were processed and stained by Hematoxylin and Eosin stain followed by histopathological examination.Results: Out of total 121 cases, 43.8% were non-neoplastic and 56.2% were neoplastic. In non-neoplastic lesions predominant was chronic sialadenitis (50.9%) followed by mucocele (28.3%) which commonly seen in submandibular gland (47.17%). Among neoplastic cases, 79.4% were benign and 20.6% were malignant lesions. Neoplastic lesions commonly were seen in parotid (75%). Pleomorphic adenoma was the commonest benign tumour (81.4%). Mucoepidermoid carcinoma was the most common malignant salivary tumour. Benign tumours were common in third and fourth decades, whereas malignant tumours were more common in fifth and sixth decades. Male predominance was seen in overall salivary gland lesions.Conclusions: Histopathological examination is mandatory in the diagnosis of salivary gland lesions because of their wide spectrum of histomorphology