Malignant salivary gland tumors of the base of the tongue.

Malignant salivary gland tumors of the base of the tongue are unusual lesions and optimal treatment has not been established. As a group, these tumors tend to be diagnosed at an advanced stage, and consequently carry a grave prognosis. Fourteen patients were treated at UCLA between 1954 and 1984. Twenty-three percent of the patients have survived longer than ten years, although only one patient is free of disease. Eight of 14 patients developed distant metastases. Salivary tumors in this location are difficult to completely excise and surgical margins are frequently positive. Treatment using a planned combined approach is advocated.