Salivary Gland Neoplasms as a Late Consequence of Head and Neck Irradiation

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Abstract
An increased occurrence of salivary tumors was observed in 1922 patients who received radiation to the tonsils and nasopharynx. Twenty-seven tumors, 19 benign and 8 malignant, were found in this group as compared with an expected 0.2 malignant and < 1 benign tumor. The latent period between the initial radiation treatment and diagnosis ranged from 7 to 32 yr. After the first 15 yr the incidence (77 cases/105 subjects/year) has remained constant and shows no indication of declining. Continued observation for salivary gland tumors is, therefore, indicated for subjects who received childhood irradiation.