Oncocytic carcinoma of the major salivary glands: A population-based study of 278 cases

Background Oncocytic carcinomas of the major salivary glands are extremely rare, with <100 cases reported. Methods A retrospective review of the National Cancer Database was performed from 1998 to 2012. Results We found 278 cases of major salivary oncocytic carcinoma. Most patients were men (61.9%), white (84.8%), with parotid disease (88.5%). Median age was 67 years (range, 16-90 years). Regional and distant metastases were found in 36.4% and 4.7% of cases. Overall survival at 5 and 10-years was 64% and 39%, respectively. Distant metastasis (hazard ratio [HR] = 13.87; 95% confidence interval [CI] = 2.98-64.52; p =.0010) and regional metastasis (HR = 3.01; 95% CI = 1.20-7.55; p =.019) are significant negative predictors, whereas positive margins approached significance (HR = 3.01; 95% CI = 1.20-7.55; p =.074). Conclusion Oncocytic carcinoma has a poor long-term prognosis and lymph node metastases are common. Distant and regional metastases are significant predictors of decreased survival.