22.04.24

Metastatic SCC of the Salivary Gland

ABSTRACT

Purpose:

This study aims to address treatment and prognostic factors related

to metastatic salivary gland squamous cell carcinoma (SCC) overall

survival and recurrence in a New Zealand hospital.

Methods:

10-year retrospective case series of patients with surgical

management of metastatic salivary gland SCC. Data was collected on

patient demographics, treatment and outcomes.

Results:

101 patients were diagnosed with metastatic SCC of the salivary

glands, occurring primarily in the parotid (94%), in elderly (median 84

years) Caucasian (92%) males (72%). All patients were treated with

parotidectomy with high rates of neck dissection (80%) and adjuvant

radiation therapy (83%). Histology showed perineural invasion (PNI)

(28%), cervical metastasis (53%) and extranodal extension (ENE)

(28%) were common. Overall survival was reduced in patients with

cervical metastasis, lymphovascular invasion (LVI) and PNI, while PNI

was associated with disease recurrent and cervical node metastasis.

Conclusion:

This research provides insight into the high rates of metastatic salivary

gland SCC in New Zealand. SCC of the salivary glands is an aggressive

entity, with lower rates of survival related to PNI, LVI and cervical

metastasis. Conservative surgical margins and adjuvant radiation

therapy provide adequate oncological management, with reduced

morbidity. While primary radiation therapy in cN0 patients may

provide a potential alternative treatment modality.