Salivary Gland Neoplasms in Children

Of 29 patients, aged 3 to 16 years, with nonvasoformative salivary gland tumors, 21 had malignant tumors. Mucoepidermoid carcinoma was the most common; adenocarcinoma, adenoid cystic carcinoma, and acinic cell carcinoma were equally represented. Pleomorphic adenoma was the exclusive benign lesion, occurring in eight patients. Mean follow-up for patients with malignant lesions was 13.6 years (minimum, 3.5 years). Absolute 2- and 5-year survival rates were 100% and 90%, respectively. Mean follow-up for benign lesions was 15.9 years; none recurred. Superficial or total parotidectomy is the treatment of choice for malignant parotid neoplasms. Benign parotid lesions are adequately controlled with parotidectomy based on extent of disease. Facial nerve sacrifice can often be avoided. We advocate postoperative radiotherapy for high-grade lesions or those with adverse prognostic factors, such as soft-tissue extension and perineural invasion.