Salivary Gland Malignancies

Salivary gland tumors are rare pathologic entities that are derived from major and minor salivary gland tissue located throughout the head and neck region. These tumors are distinctly heterogenous, comprising numerous cell types, especially those deemed malignant. The incidence of malignant salivary gland tumors is widely distributed in both adult and pediatric patient populations. Accurate diagnosis and optimal treatment of these tumors pose challenges to both interpreting pathologists and ablative surgeons. This article examines the epidemiology and pathology of malignant tumors of the major and minor salivary glands and provides recommendations for the most successful treatment approaches.