Epidemiological, diagnostic and therapeutic profile of parotid tumors in Antananarivo, Madagascar

Abstract

ABSTRACT

Introduction : Parotid gland tumors are the most common salivary gland tumors. The aim of this study is to describe the epidemiological, clinical, paraclinical, histological, and therapeutic characteristics of this pathology in Antananarivo, Madagascar.

Patients and Method : This is a descriptive study, conducted in three university hospitals in Antananarivo, focusing on the records of patients treated for parotid gland tumors over a 5-year period.

46 cases were identified (36 benign tumors and 10 malignant tumors). The male-to-female ratio was 1.09. The mean age of the patients was 42.87 years, with a range of 2 to 80 years. Parotid swelling was the predominant clinical sign, occurring without other signs in 58.70% of cases and having been developed for an average of more than 3 years (39.42 months) prior to consultation. Three patients (6.52%) were able to undergo a cervicofacial CT scan. Ultrasound was performed in 30 patients. Total parotidectomy was the most common surgical procedure, with or without facial nerve preservation. Pleomorphic adenomas constituted 86.11% of the benign tumors. Adenocarcinomas and squamous cell carcinomas were observed, each representing 30% of the malignant tumors.

Conclusion : Parotid tumors are rare in Madagascar, with a clinico-histological profile almost identical to that described in the literature. Parotid swelling is the main clinical sign. The significant delay in seeking medical attention explains the occurrence of delayed surgery. These tumors are very often benign, predominantly pleomorphic adenomas. Therapeutic management is essentially surgical.

Keywords: Antananarivo, Parotidectomy, Pleomorphic adenoma, salivary gland.