Incidence and prevalence of salivary gland tumours in Valparaiso, Chile

Background: To determine the incidence and prevalence of salivary gland tumours in the province of Valparaiso. Chile. Material and Methods: Retrospective review of salivary gland tumours diagnosed between the years 2000 and 2011 from four local pathology services. Information on demographics and histopathology were retrieved from the medical records. Results: The study sample consisted of 279 salivary gland tumours. Prevalence and incidence rates per 100.000 persons were 15.4 and 2.51, respectively. Most of the neoplasms corresponded to benign tumours (70.3%). The most affected gland was the parotid gland. Pleomorphic adenoma was the most common benign tumour (53.8%) and mucoepidermoid carcinoma was the most common malignant tumour (7.2%). Conclusions: Salivary gland tumours are uncommon neoplasms that usually arise in the parotid gland. Pleomor-phic adenoma and mucoepidermoid carcinoma were the most common benign and malignant tumours reported in this series.