In which salivary gland do tumors most commonly occur, specifically the Parotid (parotid) gland, Submandibular (submandibular) glands, Submental (submental) glands, or Sublingual (sublingual) glands?

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From the Guidelines

The correct answer is A. Parotid gland, as approximately 70% of salivary gland tumors arise from this site. Tumors most commonly occur in the parotid gland among all salivary glands, accounting for about 70% of all major salivary gland tumors 1. This high incidence is likely related to the parotid gland being one of the major salivary glands. While the exact reason for this high incidence is not specified, the parotid gland is considered a common site for tumor formation. Some key points to consider include:

  • The parotid gland is the most common site for salivary gland tumors, with about 70% of cases occurring in this gland 1.
  • The submandibular gland is another site where salivary gland tumors can occur, although it is less common than the parotid gland.
  • Tumors of the minor salivary glands, including the sublingual gland, are relatively rare compared to those occurring in the major salivary glands. The high incidence of tumors in the parotid gland highlights the importance of considering this site when evaluating salivary gland tumors, as stated in the study published in the Journal of the American College of Radiology 1.

From the Research

Salivary Gland Tumors

  • The most common salivary gland tumor is pleomorphic adenoma, which is a benign neoplasm 2, 3, 4.
  • Pleomorphic adenoma is found mostly in the parotid gland, particularly in middle-aged women 2.
  • The parotid gland is the most common site for salivary gland tumors, including malignant tumors 3, 5.

Tumor Location

  • The parotid gland is the most common location for pleomorphic adenoma, accounting for the majority of cases 2, 3, 4.
  • The submandibular gland is also a possible location for salivary gland tumors, but it is less common than the parotid gland 3, 5.
  • The submental and sublingual glands are not commonly mentioned as locations for salivary gland tumors in the provided studies.

Diagnosis and Treatment

  • Surgical excision is the standard treatment for resectable salivary gland tumors, including those in the parotid gland 2, 5, 4.
  • Radiotherapy may be used as an additional treatment option for incompletely resected tumors or for patients with positive margins 2, 5.

References

Guideline

Guideline Directed Topic Overview

Dr.Oracle Medical Advisory Board & Editors, 2025

Research

Salivary gland pleomorphic adenoma.

American journal of clinical oncology, 2008

Research

[Carcinoma ex pleomorphic adenoma of major salivary glands--a clinicopathologic review].

Otolaryngologia polska = The Polish otolaryngology, 2007

Research

Pleomorphic Adenoma: A Systematic Review.

International journal of clinical pediatric dentistry, 2020

Research

Major and minor salivary gland tumors.

Critical reviews in oncology/hematology, 2010

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This information is intended for healthcare professionals. Any medical decision-making should rely on clinical judgment and independently verified information. The content provided herein does not replace professional discretion and should be considered supplementary to established clinical guidelines. Healthcare providers should verify all information against primary literature and current practice standards before application in patient care. Dr.Oracle assumes no liability for clinical decisions based on this content.

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