Trends and characteristics of major salivary gland carcinoma incidence in the United States, 2000–2022

This study analyzed contemporary trends in major salivary gland carcinoma (MSGC) incidence in the United States from 2000 to 2022 using the SEER 17 Registries. Age-adjusted incidence rates (IRs) per 1,000,000 persons and temporal trends were evaluated using annual percent change (APC) and average APC (AAPC). A total of 20,522 MSGC cases were identified, with an overall IR of 10.4 and a significant increasing trend over time (APC = 0.42%, P = 0.015). Incidence increased particularly among females (APC = 0.81%, P = 0.002), older age groups (60–79 years: APC = 0.40%, P = 0.036; ≥80 years: APC = 1.12%, P = 0.010), the Black population (APC = 0.80%, P = 0.029), and parotid gland primaries (APC = 0.40%, P = 0.023). In stage-specific analyses restricted to 2004–2022, localized disease also increased significantly (APC = 0.89%, P = 0.002). Among major histologic subtypes, adenocarcinoma, not otherwise specified, showed a significant decreasing trend (AAPC=–3.33%, P < 0.001), whereas salivary duct carcinoma (AAPC = 10.41%, P < 0.001) and carcinoma ex pleomorphic adenoma (APC = 2.20%, P = 0.022) showed increasing trends. Female-focused subgroup analyses demonstrated increasing incidence in both age groups: females aged ≥ 60 years (APC = 0.64%, P = 0.012) and those aged < 60 years (APC = 0.88%, P = 0.009). Mucoepidermoid carcinoma also exhibited an increasing trend among females (APC = 0.87%, P = 0.016). These findings indicate a significant increase in MSGC incidence in the US, with distinct demographic and clinicopathological patterns.