PRIMARY TUMORS OF THE SUBMANDIBULAR GLAND: A REPORT OF 20 CASES

Salivary gland tumors are rare, accounting for 3% of all tumors in the body and 6% of tumors in the head and neck. Tumors of the submandibular gland are less common than those of the parotid gland and present both diagnostic and therapeutic challenges, particularly regarding the indication for postoperative radiotherapy and the management of recurrence. The aim of our study was to analyze the epidemiological, clinical, paraclinical, therapeutic, and prognostic features of submandibular gland tumors based on a retrospective study including a series of 20 cases of submandibular gland swelling managed in the departments of ENT and Head and Neak Surgery at the Nouakchott National Hospital (CHN) from January 2019 to October 2023. The study involved 8 men and 12 women. The average age was 37.9 years (range: 20-71 years). Submandibular swelling was the main symptom. Pain was reported by 14 patients. One case of paralysis of the mental branch of the facial nerve was observed during clinical examination. In terms of treatment, submandibulectomy was performed in 19 patients. Histopathological results showed a predominance of pleomorphic adenoma among benign tumors (70% of benign tumors) and two cases of submandibular tuberculosis (10%). Two benign tumors that recurred were both pleomorphic adenomas.Submandibular gland tumors are complex, and predominantly benign. They represent diagnostic and therapeutic issues. Diagnosis is guided by clinical and radiological evidence and is based on the histopathological analysis of the surgical specimen.