Between 1991 and 2006, 684 cases of salivary gland tumours were analysed retrospectively, of which 422 (62%) were benign and 262 (38%) malignant. Sixty-one percent of tumours were in the parotid gland, 22% in the minor salivary glands, and 17% in the submandibular glands. The most common benign tumour was pleomorphic adenoma (86%), and the most common malignant tumours were adenoid cystic carcinoma (25%) and mucoepidermoid carcinoma (18%). Among the minor salivary gland tumours, most were seen in the palate (68%). We analyse the incidence and distribution of all types of salivary gland tumours in an Indian series, and provide data for comparison with other epidemiological studies from different geographical sites and races. Demographic data from these studies should help us to a better understanding of the biological and clinical characteristics of the disease.