ABSTRACT
Objectives: The objectives of this study were to compare the prevalence of submandibular gland neoplasia in an Asian population with a Western population and to evaluate the accuracy of fi ne needle aspiration cytology (FNAC) and computed tomography (CT) scan in the study of submandibular gland pathologies.
Materials and Methods: We conducted a 10-year retrospective review of 101 submandibular mass excisions. Data on the demographic profile of patients, clinical features, correlation of fi ne needle aspiration cytology, CT scans and histology and morbidities related to surgery were collected. Results: The prevalence of submandibular gland neoplasia was 27.1%. Most (78.9%) of these were benign. FNAC and CT scans were accurate for benign neoplasia. However, the accuracy of FNAC and CT scans for sialadenitis without sialolithiasis was low. Conclusions: The prevalence of submandibular gland malignancy was lower in the Asian population. FNAC and CT scans were accurate for benign neoplasia of the submandibular gland.Submandibular masses are common presenting complaints in the outpatient setting. The differential diagnosis of a submandibular mass lesion can be salivary gland pathology, lymph nodal disease or soft tissue conditions. The more common submandibular gland pathologies include sialadenitis, sialolithiasis, pleomorphic adenoma, lymphoma and carcinomas.
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