Spectrum of salivary gland diseases: A 24-year single-institution retrospective study

INTRODUCTION: Salivary glands are exocrine glands and are classified as major and minor salivary glands. Salivary gland pathologies are classified as neoplastic and non-neoplastic. The neoplasms of salivary glands can be benign or malignant. AIM: The aim of the study was to describe the frequency of various salivary gland diseases reported in our institution from 1997 to 2021. METHODOLOGY: This was a 24-year retrospective study of salivary gland lesions processed and reported by the Department of Oral Pathology and Microbiology. Data regarding age, gender, site, and diagnosis were obtained and studied. RESULTS: Amongst the total 5928 biopsied cases reported, 6% were salivary gland pathologies. Two hundred sixty-six were non-neoplastic lesions and 81 were neoplastic. The most common non-neoplastic lesion was mucous extravasation cyst. The most common neoplastic lesion was pleomorphic adenoma. CONCLUSION: The frequency of occurrence of salivary gland lesions in the last 24 years of this institution is almost similar to that stated in other published studies.