Salivary gland neoplasms following atomic radiation: additional cases and reanalysis of combined data in a fixed population, 1957-1970.

A reappraisal was made of the relationship between exposure to atomic radiation in 1945 and the occurrence of salivary gland tumors in heavily exposed survivors. This was made possible by the discovery of 8 additional patients; the total now reported consists of 30 cases. In those exposed to 300+ rads, the number of cases was significantly (p less than .01) greater than expected. This was found for the combined group and for malignant types, but not for histologically benign tumors. Our prior conclusion regarding the high-dose radiation effect upon salivary gland neoplasia remains unchanged in the reanalysis; however, our suggestion that younger persons were at significantly greater risk is weakened.