Clinicopathological analysis of hybrid carcinomas of the salivary glands: A systematic review

Hybrid carcinomas (HC) are the association of two or more malignant neoplasms arising within the same topographical area. The present study is a systematic review of HC of the salivary glands. This study aimed to assess HC clinicopathological features and molecular profile. Observational studies, case series, and case reports were included. PubMed, Scopus, EMBASE, Lilacs, Web of Science, and gray literature were searched until June 2024. A total of 18 articles including 34 patients were included. HC of the salivary glands is presented as a painless mass affecting mainly the parotid gland of adults with a preference for male patients. Histologically, adenoid cystic carcinoma and epithelial-myoepithelial carcinoma were the most prevalent association, being surgical excision with radiotherapy the most common treatment. The most aggressive component, even when representing only a small proportion of the tumor, should guide the patient's treatment. Further molecular studies are necessary to determine if HC are distinct entities or biologically identical to the individual neoplasms. In conclusion, this systematic review may contribute to a better understanding of this rare lesion, their biological behavior, treatments employed, and the outcome of these patients.