Overview of major salivary gland cancer surgery in Ontario (2003–2010)

Background — The primary objective of this study is to describe variations in incidence rates, resection rates, and types of surgical ablations performed on patients diagnosed with major salivary gland cancers in Ontario.

Methods — All major salivary gland cancer cases in Ontario (2003–2010) were identified from the Ontario Cancer Registry (n=1,241). Variations in incidence rates, resection rates, and type of surgical therapy were compared by sex, age group, neighbourhood income, community population, health region, and physician specialty.

Results — Eight-year incidence rates per 100,000 vary significantly by sex (male: 15.5, female: 9.7), age (18–54 years: 6.7, 75+ years: 53.4), neighborhood income (lowest quintile: 11.8, highest quintile: 13.7), and community size (cities with a population greater than 1.5 million: 10.6, cities with a population of less than 100,000: 14.7). There was a significant correlation between the likelihood to receive a resection and age with the elderly (75+ years) being the least likely to receive resection (69%). Large differences in incidence and resection rates were observed by health region. Otolaryngology-Head & Neck surgeons provide the majority of total/radical resections (95%).

Conclusions — Major salivary gland cancer incidence rates vary by sex, age, neighborhood income, community size, and health region. Resection rates vary by age and health region. These disparities warrant further evaluation. Otolaryngology-Head & Neck Surgeons provide the majority of major salivary gland cancer surgical care.