Malignant Salivary Gland Neoplasms

Neoplasms of the salivary gland are rare, and fortunately the overwhelming majority are benign. Salivary gland malignancies are extremely uncommon and only comprise a small portion of all salivary neoplasms. While clinicians of the head, neck, and oral cavity may diagnose a handful of salivary tumors in their career, many will never encounter a salivary gland cancer. As such, an even higher index of suspicion is required to recognize the presence of a salivary carcinoma. The purpose of this chapter is to provide an overview of the epidemiology, diagnosis, and management of malignant salivary tumors.