Incidence of Salivary Gland Neoplasms in Greenland with Special Reference to an Anaplastic Carcinoma

Publisher Website
Google Scholar
Abstract
Forty-two salivary gland neoplasms were diagnosed in Greenland (1955-1974). Of 25 malignant cases, 92% were an undifferentiated carcinoma, histologically identical to malignant lymphoepithelial lesion. Age adjusted incidence rates for salivary gland carcinomas (1965-1974) were among the highest on record, significantly higher than in Denmark. Prognosis was poor with a 5-yr determinate survival rate of 14%. The majority of previously reported malignant lymphoepithelial lesions of salivary glands occurred in Arctic dwellers in Alaska (USA) and northern Canada. Virus infection and/or dietary deficiencies may be etiological factors. In the present study secondary nasopharyngeal carcinoma could not always be excluded.