Salivary gland tumors.

Although the incidence of salivary gland tumors in the general population is relatively low, these neoplasms account for a significant proportion of tumors of the oral and perioral regions and are therefore of considerable interest to the dentist. Malignant salivary gland tumors comprise the second most common type of oral cancer, although squamous cell carcinomas arising from the surface mucosa are nine times more common. Salivary gland tumors occur in both the major (parotid, submandibular, and sublingual) and minor (accessory) salivary glands of the oropharynx. This article will discuss various types of salivary gland tumors and treatment options.