Salivary gland tumors occur infrequently and represent only 2%-4% of all head and neck neoplasms.1'2 Most salivary gland tumors originate from the parotid gland, followed by the submandibular gland and minor salivary glands. Parotid neoplasms are clinically and histopatholog-ically one of the most diverse and complex groups of head and neck tumors. Most tumors are benign and are limited to the parotid space, with the most common primary lesion being pleomorphic adenoma. Pleomorphic adenoma is also the most common benign tumor of the minor salivary glands, but in contrast to tumors arising from the parotid gland, most tumors arising from the minor salivary gland are malignant. Presentation and behavior of salivary gland tumors can be quite variable; hence, the management must be individualized and dictated by histologic type, size, grade, stage, if malignant, and precise location as determined by examination and imaging.
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