Abstract
Between January 1, 1968 and December 31, 1978, 42 patients with malignant lesions involving the major salivary glands were seen at the Medical College of Virginia. A 60% 2-year survival and a 42% 5-year survival were noted. Histologic type was the major determinant of survival. Symptoms other than a painless mass, a largest dimension greater than 4 cm, older age, and clinical spread outside the gland were all suggestive of both a more malignant histologic type and a worse prognosis. Based on these observations, a plan is proposed for the diagnostic approach and treatment of salivary gland masses that is based on the mode of presentation and histologic findings.

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