Minor Salivary Gland Neoplasm of the Larynx

Abstract

Introduction: Minor salivary gland neoplasm of larynx is a rare tumor of head and neck and account to around 1% of laryngeal cancers. This is a disease of middle age and affects subglottis mostly than other parts of the larynx. Preferred treatment is total laryngectomy (TL) due to high propensity for submucosal spread. In this case series, we discuss our experience in the management of salivary gland tumors of larynx. Methods: Retrospective analysis of five patients of salivary tumors of larynx treated at our institute for over 30 years. Results: Among the five patients, four had Adenoid cystic carcinoma (ACC) and one had clear cell carcinoma (CCC). Four ACC patients had the lesion in the subglottis and 3 underwent TL with chemoradiation and had no recurrence till latest review after 32 months of surgery. However, one patient who underwent chemoradiation alone had a persistent disease and is receiving palliative care. CCC patient had lesion in the glottis and underwent hemilaryngectomy and had no recurrence till 15 years following surgery. No locoregional metastasis identified, though one patient had lung metastasis. Discussion: ACC is the most common salivary tumor seen in the larynx. Literature had shown male predominance, however, our study had shown no sex predilection. In our study, patients who underwent TL with adjuvant chemoradiation showed no recurrence as compared to one patient who underwent chemoradiation alone and had disease progression. Conclusion: ACC is the most common salivary gland neoplasm of larynx and surgical treatment with chemoradiation seem to provide better outcome than chemoradiation alone.