Malignant salivary gland tumors of the base of the tongue.

We present a 41-year retrospective study of patients with malignant salivary gland tumors of the base of the tongue treated at The University of Texas M. D. Anderson Hospital and Tumor Institute at Houston. This report characterized the patient group, documents their physical findings, analyzes survival, and draws some conclusions regarding clinical course and treatment options. When feasible, surgical resection is the preferred treatment, with planned postoperative radiotherapy when indicated by pathologic findings.