Epithelial salivary gland tumors in children: a twenty-five-year experience of 122 patients

Long-term follow-up and prognostic analysis of parotid tumors in children and adolescents

Objectives

The objective of this study is to summarize the clinical characteristics, treatment, and prognosis of parotid tumors in children and adolescents.

Methods

Fifty-three children and adolescents diagnosed with parotid gland tumors were included. Survival was evaluated using the Kaplan-Meier method. Log-rank test and multivariate analysis were used to analyze the association between clinical factors and recurrence.

Results

Of the 53 patients, 30 cases were benign and 23 cases were malignant. All patients underwent surgery. Patients with malignant tumors with high-risk factors received radiotherapy or chemotherapy. The median follow-up time was 61 months. Of these, 1 patient with benign tumor and 5 patients with malignant tumors recurred. Of the patients with malignant tumors, 2 developed distant metastases and 2 died. The 5-year overall survival (OS) and 5-year locoregional recurrence-free survival (LRFS) rates for benign tumors were 100.0% and 92.9%, respectively, whereas the 5-year OS and 5-year LRFS rates for malignant tumors were 94.4% and 72.5%, respectively. The log-rank univariate test showed that tumor size >3.5 cm (p = .056), distant metastasis (p = .056), and stage III and IV (p = .032) were associated with recurrence. However, multivariate analysis did not show the above factors to be independent prognostic factors for LRFS.

Conclusion

Surgery for benign tumors depends on the location and size. Surgery for malignant parotid tumors depends mainly on the stage, grade, pathological type, and recurrence. Prophylactic lymph node dissection is required for high-grade tumors. Radiotherapy or chemotherapy for children needs more research. Both benign and malignant tumors have high survival rates after active treatment.

Level of evidence

Level 2.

Pediatric primary salivary gland tumors

OBJECTIVES

To characterize the presentation and treatment of children presenting with primary salivary gland neoplasms.

METHODS

A retrospective review of primary salivary tumor patients presenting to Children's Hospital Colorado between January 2000 and August 2020.

RESULTS

Fifty children were identified with primary salivary gland tumors, comprising of 39 (78 %) benign and 11 (22 %) malignant lesions. Pleomorphic adenoma was the most common benign tumor (36/39, 92 %), while acinic cell carcinoma was the most common malignancy (7/11, 64 %). The parotid gland was the most common site, followed by the submandibular gland (66 % vs. 34 %). No tumors were found in the sublingual glands. Benign neoplasms accounted for 70 % of parotid lesions and 94 % of submandibular tumors. No significant differences in age (13.6 years, SD 4 vs. 13.0 years, SD 4.3) were noted between patients with benign and malignant disease, but tumors in females were more frequently malignant (M:F 1:1.3 vs. 1:2.7 for benign and malignant tumors, respectively). Neck dissection and/or facial nerve sacrifice were required in 27 % (3/11) and 9.1 % (1/11) of malignancies, respectively. Local recurrence was observed in 7.7 % (3/39) of benign cases and 9.1 % (1/11) of malignant cases. No salivary malignancies required chemotherapy, though one patient with neurofibromatosis received imatinib prior to resection. Two patients with locoregional malignancy received adjunctive radiation. The average duration of follow up for benign and malignant disease were 12.6 ± 25 and 45.1 ± 32 months, respectively.

CONCLUSIONS

This study presents one of the larger single institutional experiences of pediatric primary salivary neoplasms in the past 20 years, identifying pleomorphic adenoma and acinic cell carcinoma as the most common benign and malignant etiologies, respectively. While this review found most neoplasms presented as a localized mass effectively managed with conservative surgical resection, aggressive tumors required multidisciplinary care.

Epithelial salivary gland tumors in pediatric patients: An international collaborative study

OBJECTIVE

Salivary gland tumors (SGT) are a diverse group of uncommon neoplasms that are rare in pediatric patients. This study aimed to characterize the clinicopathological profile of pediatric patients affected by SGT from a large case series derived from an international group of academic centers.

STUDY DESIGN

A retrospective analysis of pediatric patients with SGT (0-19 years old) diagnosed between 2000 and 2021 from Brazil, South Africa, and the United Kingdom was performed. SPSS Statistics for Windows was used for a quantitative analysis of the data, with a descriptive analysis of the clinicopathological characteristics and the association between clinical variables and diagnoses.

RESULTS

A total of 203 cases of epithelial SGT were included. Females were slightly more commonly (56.5%), with a mean age of 14.1 years. The palate was the most common site (43.5%), followed by the parotid gland (29%), lip (10%), and submandibular gland (7.5%). The predominant clinical presentation was a flesh-colored, smooth, and painless nodule. Pleomorphic adenoma (PA) was the most frequently diagnosed SGT (58.6%), followed by mucoepidermoid carcinoma (MEC) (26.6%). Surgery (90.8%) was the favored treatment option.

CONCLUSIONS

Benign SGT in pediatric patients are more commonly benign than malignant tumors. Clinicians should keep PA and MEC in mind when assessing nodular lesions of possible salivary gland origin in pediatric patients.

Parotid gland masses: outcomes in the pediatric age group

BACKGROUND

Childhood parotid neoplasms appear to have different characteristics from adults. This point, in addition to the rarity of these tumors, reflects the challenges faced in diagnosing and treating parotid neoplasms in children.

PATIENTS AND METHODS

This retrospective study included all children who presented to the Children's Cancer Hospital Egypt (CCHE, 57357) with parotid masses from January 2008 to December 2020.

RESULTS

Twenty-one patients were included. Malignant neoplasms were found in 12 (57.1%) of which mucoepidermoid carcinoma was the most common. Benign neoplasms were found in 6 (28.6%) all of them were pleomorphic adenoma, and non-neoplastic lesions were found in 3 (14.3%). Superficial, deep, or total parotidectomy was performed according to the involved lobes. The facial nerve was sacrificed in three cases because of frank invasion by the tumor. Neck dissection was considered in clinically positive lymph nodes and/or T3/4 masses. Complications occurred in 7 (33.3%) all were of the malignant cases. Adjuvant radiotherapy was restricted to high-risk cases (7 cases). Recurrence occurred in two cases, and one patient died of distant metastasis. Fine needle aspiration cytology (FNAC) showed 88.9% sensitivity and 100% specificity for diagnosing malignant neoplasms. The correlation of radiological and pathological staging was fair (66.74% for overall staging).

CONCLUSIONS

Parotidectomy is the backbone treatment for benign and malignant pediatric parotid tumors. Neck nodal dissection should be considered after preoperative FNAC of suspicious nodes. Adjuvant radiotherapy is considered only in high-risk tumors. Preoperative FNAC of parotid masses and clinically suspicious lymph nodes is highly recommended.

Is Milan for kids?: The Milan System for Reporting Salivary Gland Cytology in pediatric patients at an academic children's hospital with cytologic-histologic correlation

BACKGROUND

The Milan System for Reporting Salivary Gland Cytopathology (MSRSGC) provides a useful framework for the diagnosis of salivary gland fine-needle aspiration (FNA) biopsies. In this study, the MSRSGC was applied to salivary gland FNAs in pediatric patients to assess its usefulness and look at pitfalls.

METHODS

The laboratory information system was queried over a 15-year period for all salivary gland FNAs in patients 18 years old or younger. Patient demographics, FNA diagnosis categorized according to the MSRSGC, and follow-up surgical pathology diagnoses were examined and correlated.

RESULTS

Thirty-two cases were identified, with an average age of 12 years (range, 0.6-18 years). A majority of the cases (84.4%) were from the parotid region. Twenty of 32 cases (62.5%) had follow-up resection. MSRSGC recategorization diagnoses of the 32 FNA cases were 34% benign neoplasm, 31% nonneoplastic, 16% nondiagnostic, 9% atypia of undetermined significance, 3% salivary neoplasm of uncertain malignant potential, 3% suspicious for malignancy, and 3% malignant. Overall, the sensitivity and specificity were 100% and 80%, respectively. On follow-up resection, 55% were neoplastic: pleomorphic adenomas (n = 6; 55%), pilomatricoma (n = 3; 28%), mucoepidermoid carcinoma (n = 1; 9%), schwannoma (n = 1; 9%), and myofibroma (n = 1; 9%).

CONCLUSIONS

The MSRSGC performed fairly well in the pediatric population with a low overall risk of malignancy (6%) and high sensitivity. Although the majority of pediatric salivary gland FNAs were benign, 55% of resected cases were positive for a neoplasm, with benign neoplasms outnumbering malignancy. Challenging entities included inflammatory conditions, like immunoglobulin G4-related sialadenitis, and skin and soft tissue lesions near the salivary gland.

Salivary gland carcinoma in children and adolescents: The EXPeRT/PARTNER diagnosis and treatment recommendations

Salivary gland carcinomas (SGCs) are rare during childhood and adolescence. Consequently, no standardized recommendations for the diagnosis and therapeutic management of pediatric SGC are available, and pediatric oncologists and surgeons generally follow adult guidelines. Complete surgical resection with adequate margins constitutes the cornerstone of treatment. However, the indications and modalities of adjuvant therapy remain controversial and may be challenging in view of the potential long-term toxicities in the pediatric population. This paper presents the consensus recommendations for the diagnosis and treatment of children and adolescents with SGCs, established by the European Cooperative Study Group for Pediatric Rare Tumors (EXPeRT) within the EU-funded PARTNER project (Paediatric Rare Tumours Network - European Registry).

Diagnosis and management of pediatric epithelial salivary gland malignancy

PURPOSE OF REVIEW

Salivary tumors are uncommon among children but are more likely to be malignant compared with adults. A lack of experience makes consensus in treatment elusive. Amidst recent publication of large institutional and national series, this review aims to discuss the epidemiology, diagnosis, investigation, and treatment for pediatric epithelial salivary malignancies.

RECENT FINDINGS

Pediatric salivary malignancies are often low grade and carry a favorable prognosis. High-grade tumors portend an increased risk of recurrence and a decreased survival. Surgeons should strive for oncologic resection with clear margins and avoid enucleation and excisional biopsies. Overt nodal metastases require concurrent neck dissection, whereas elective neck dissections may be reserved for cases with high risk of occult disease, such as advanced stage and high-grade neoplasms. Adjuvant radiation should be considered in high-grade tumors.

SUMMARY

The paucity of high-level evidence clouds treatment decisions and further encourages pediatric salivary malignancies to be treated in an experienced center with a multidisciplinary approach.

Differentiation malignant from benign parotid tumors in children with diffusion-weighted MR imaging

PURPOSE

To differentiate pediatric solid malignant from the benign parotid tumors with diffusion-weighted MR imaging (DWI).

MATERIALS AND METHODS

A retrospective study comprising 38 children with parotid tumors (21 boys and 17 girls aged from 2 months to 17 years) was conducted using (DWI) of the parotid gland. Apparent diffusion coefficient (ADC) maps were generated. The ADC value of the parotid tumors was calculated.

RESULTS

The mean ADC value of malignant parotid tumors (1.08 ± 0.1, 1.04 ± 0.1 × 10^-3mm²/s) was significantly lower [P = 0.001] than that of benign lesions (1.69 ± 0.2, 1.72 ± 0.3 × 10^-3mm²/s). A threshold of ADC of 1.40, 1.33 × 10^-3mm²/s was used for differentiating malignant parotid tumors from benign lesions and led to the best results of the area under the curve of 0.940, 0.929, accuracy of 86, 89%, sensitivity of 94, 94%, specificity of 80, 85%, negative predictive value of 94.1, 94.4%, and positive predictive value of 81, 85%. There was insignificant difference in ADC values of malignant lesions (P = 0.23, 0.30) as well as within benign lesions (P = 0.25, 0.08).

CONCLUSION

DWI is an innovative anticipating imaging technique that can be used in the differentiation of pediatric solid malignant parotid tumors from benign lesions.

Fine-Needle Aspiration Cytology Is an Effective Diagnostic Tool in Paediatric Patients with Mucoepidermoid Carcinoma as Secondary Neoplasm

BACKGROUND

Mucoepidermoid carcinoma (MEC) is the most common malignant salivary gland tumour in paediatric population, accounting for 16% of all cases. Patients affected by a previous solid or leukaemic neoplasm during their childhood may develop a second different tumour during the follow-up. In this setting, salivary gland MEC is relatively frequent, accounting for 6% of the second neoplasms in paediatric patients. Consequently, the occurrence of salivary gland nodules in paediatric patients with a previous neoplasm should be considered an event with a high risk of malignancy that poses peculiar diagnostic challenges.

SUMMARY

This study was designed to define clinical and instrumental findings and morphological features of MEC on fine-needle aspiration cytology (FNAC) samples in paediatric patients with and without a previous neoplasm. Five patients under 19 years are included in this series. FNAC was performed in all patients on a parotid nodule. We have identified 2 groups of patients: (a) 2 cases with previous history of malignancy (acute lymphoblastic leukaemia and Hodgkin lymphoma) and (b) 3 cases without previous malignant neoplasms. In all cases, a final diagnosis of MEC was rendered. Key Messages: MEC may occur as a second malignancy in paediatric patients. FNAC is certainly a valid and accurate diagnostic tool for this type of neoplasm, even in the paediatric age, allowing the correct management of the patients.

Significance of Pretreatment Neutrophil-to-Lymphocyte Ratio in Mucoepidermoid Carcinoma of Pediatrics: A Multicenter Study

Background: Our goal was to analyze the value of the pretreatment neutrophil-to-lymphocyte ratio (NLR) in the prognosis of pediatrics with parotid mucoepidermoid carcinoma (MEC). Methods: Patients (≤ 18 years old) undergoing surgical treatment for primary parotid MEC were enrolled from multiple clinical centers retrospectively. The χ²-test was used to analyze the associations between clinicopathological variables and the NLR. The main study endpoints were recurrence-free survival (RFS) and disease-specific survival (DSS). The prognostic value of NLR was assessed by Kaplan-Meier method and Cox model analysis. Results: There were 88 patients included in total, with mean NLR of 2.32 (range, 1.8-6.0). Histologic tumor grade and tumor stage were associated with the NLR significantly. The 10-year RFS rates were 98 and 81% for patients with an NLR < 2.32 and patients with an NLR ≥ 2.32, respectively, the difference was significant (p = 0.010). The 10-year DSS rate was 97 and 81% for patients with an NLR < 2.32 and patients with an NLR ≥ 2.32, respectively; the difference was not significant (p = 0.072). The independence of NLR in predicting the RFS was further confirmed in Cox model analysis. Conclusion: The NLR significantly affects the prognosis in pediatrics with primary parotid MEC.

Retrospective study of 124 cases of salivary gland tumors and literature review

Background

Salivary gland tumors are a rare and morphologically diverse group of lesions and their frequency is still unknown in several parts of the world. The knowledge of its population characteristics contributes to a better understanding of its etiopathogenesis. Objectives: This study investigated the frequency of salivary gland tumors in a region of southern Brazil and compared these data in a literature review.

Material and Methods

A retrospective study was conducted of salivary gland tumors diagnosed at two pathology centers from 1995 to 2016. Patient age and gender, tumor site and frequency, histopathological diagnosis, and symptomatology were evaluated. Chi-squared tests were used to assess the associations between variables. To compare our data, we also conducted a literature review of publications in the PubMed and LILACS databases of retrospective studies of salivary gland tumors.

Results

A total of 124 salivary gland tumor cases was identified, 81 (65.3%) of which were classified as benign and 43 (34.6%) as malignant. Most tumors occurred in the parotid gland (57.2%). Pleomorphic adenoma was the most common tumor (59.6%), followed by adenocarcinoma not otherwise specified (8.8%). The tumors occurred more often in women (54.8%) than in men (45.2%). Malignant tumors were associated with pain in 31.4% of cases (p<0.05). The literature review included 35 articles from different countries. Women were most affected, with a mean age of 41.7 years. The most common benign tumor was pleomorphic adenoma (48.2%) and the most common malignant tumor was mucoepidermoid carcinoma (8.7%).

Conclusions

The results of the present study showed that salivary gland tumors are rare. The parotid gland is the most common location and pleomorphic adenoma are the most frequent lesions. The malignant tumors presented as several histological types and the incidence was variable globally. Key words:Salivary gland neoplasms, salivary gland diseases, oral surgery, epidemiology.

Mucoepidermoid carcinoma of the head and neck in children

INTRODUCTION

Mucoepidermoid carcinoma is a rare malignant salivary gland neoplasm in the pediatric population. Few studies have discussed best practice with respect to diagnosis and treatment in children.

OBJECTIVE

To present our institution's experience with the evaluation and management of pediatric mucoepidermoid carcinoma of the head and neck.

METHODS

Retrospective chart review of patients under 20 years of age diagnosed with mucoepidermoid carcinoma of the head and neck between 1998 and 2017. Data assessed includes demographics, clinical presentation, imaging examinations, histopathology, treatment, complications, local recurrence, distant metastasis, and follow-up.

RESULTS

Sixteen patients (10 female, 6 male) were identified with a median age of 12.9 (IQR: 10.9-15.0) years. Tumors were located within the parotid gland (n = 11, 68.8%), accessory lobe of the parotid gland (n = 2, 12.5%), palate (n = 2, 12.5%), and submandibular region (n = 1, 6.3%). In 9 patients (56.3%) a neoplastic etiology was suspected based on the clinical and/or radiographic findings and confirmed pathologically on biopsy or excision. All patients were treated surgically and five patients required adjuvant radiotherapy. One patient had recurrence requiring re-excision. Seven patients (43.8%) had transient facial paresis post-operatively and one had Frey syndrome. Median follow-up time was 59.7 months (IQR: 18.9-99.3).

CONCLUSION

The malignant nature of mucoepidermoid carcinoma requires comprehensive, multidisciplinary management. Imaging and tissue sampling by fine needle aspiration give clinicians the best insight into location and nature of the mass. Complete surgical excision with attention to preservation of facial nerve and achieving negative margins is desired.

Survival and characteristics of pediatric salivary gland cancer: A systematic review and meta-analysis

A systematic search of PubMed, EMBASE, and the Cochrane Library for studies from 2000 to 2017 including children aged 0-19 with salivary gland cancer was performed. In 19 studies, 749 children (median age of 14.2 years, female to male ratio of 1.4:1) were included; 72% had parotid tumors and 95% underwent surgery, of whom 65% had surgery alone and 24% with adjuvant radiotherapy. Low-grade and stage mucoepidermoid carcinoma were the most frequent cancer. The 5-year overall- and disease-free survival was 94% and 83%. Recurrence was observed in 20% at a median of 1.1 years from diagnosis.

Oncologic outcome of parotid mucoepidermoid carcinoma in pediatric patients

Background

The goal of this study was to investigate the long-term oncologic outcome of parotid mucoepidermoid carcinoma (MEC) in pediatric patients.

Patients and methods

Patients <19 years old who were diagnosed with MEC from January 1990 to December 2017 were retrospectively enrolled in this study. The main analyzed indexes included intraparotid node (IPN) metastasis, neutrophil-tolymphocyte ratio (NLR), loco-regional control (LRC), and disease-specific survival (DSS) rates.

Results

A total of 73 patients were enrolled. IPN metastasis occurred in 13 (17.8%) patients; the mean value of the NLR was 2.48 (range: 1.3–6.1). Loco-regional recurrence occurred in 12 patients, and 7 patients died of the disease. The 10-year LRC and DSS rates were 83% and 88%, respectively. IPN metastasis remained significantly related to recurrence in both univariate and Cox model analyses; a high NLR was significantly associated with recurrence in the univariate analysis but not in the Cox model. IPN metastasis remained significantly related to disease-related death in both the univariate and Cox model analyses; a high NLR was not associated with the DSS in univariate analysis.

Conclusion

The long-term survival rate was relatively favorable in pediatric MEC. IPN metastasis was an independent risk factor for loco-regional recurrence and DSS. The role of the NLR in predicting survival in parotid cancer requires more research.

Prognostic Value of the Pretreatment Neutrophil-to-Lymphocyte Ratio in Pediatric Parotid Cancer

Objective: Our goal was to evaluate the prognostic significance of the neutrophil-to-lymphocyte ratio (NLR) in pediatric patients with parotid cancer. Materials and Methods: Pediatric patients with primary parotid cancer were retrospectively enrolled from several clinical centers. The associations between the clinical-pathologic variables and NLR and the prognostic significance of NLR for recurrence-free survival (RFS) and disease-specific survival (DSS) were analyzed. Results: A total of 123 patients were included. The mean NLR was 2.51 and ranged from 1.7 to 6.1. The tumor stage and disease grade were significantly related to NLR. In patients with NLR < 2.51, the 10-year RFS rate was 97%, and in patients with NLR ≥ 2.51, the 10-year RFS rate was 84%; the difference was significant (p = 0.016). In patients with NLR < 2.51, the 10-year DSS rate was 98%, and in patients with NLR ≥ 2.51, the 10-year DSS rate was 83%; this difference was also significant (p = 0.035). Further Cox model analysis confirmed the independence of NLR in predicting the RFS and DSS rates. Conclusions: NLR is significantly associated with prognosis in pediatric patients with parotid cancer.

Mandibular growth in survivors of pediatric parotid gland carcinoma treated with interstitial brachytherapy

BACKGROUND

The aim of the study was to present long-term results of mandibular growth in pediatric parotid gland carcinoma survivors treated with interstitial brachytherapy.

PROCEDURE

Twenty-five survivors of pediatric parotid gland carcinoma treated with iodine-125 seed interstitial brachytherapy were included for quantitative analysis, including three dimensional (3D) cephalometry and measurement of mandibular volume.

RESULTS

3D cephalometry showed that the median fore-and-aft increments of the lengths of the condyle, the ramus, and the body of the mandible were 1.23, 0.19, and 1.66 mm for the affected side, respectively, and were 1.37, 1.95, and 3.42 mm for the unaffected side, respectively. The difference in increments of the ramus was statistically significant between the affected side and the unaffected side (P = 0.003; P < 0.05). Moreover, mandibular volume measurements showed that the median fore-and-aft increments of the volumes of the condyle, the ramus, and the body of the mandible were 290.62, 220.14, and 1706.40 mm³ for the affected side, respectively, and were 269.15, 370.40, and 1469.86 mm³ for the unaffected side, respectively. The difference in increments was statistically significant between the affected side and the unaffected side for the ramus (P = 0.005; P < 0.05) and the body (P = 0.043; P < .05).

CONCLUSION

Mandibular growth was affected by interstitial brachytherapy, especially for the ramus, in pediatric parotid gland carcinoma survivors treated with interstitial brachytherapy. Nevertheless, the impact was mild in these survivors.

Immunohistochemical and molecular profile of salivary gland cancer in children

BACKGROUND

Pediatric salivary gland carcinomas (SGCs) are very rare. They differ from the adult SGCs in terms of epidemiologic and clinical behavior, being generally limited only to selected histotypes (e.g. low-grade mucoepidermoid [LG-MEC] and acinic cell cancer [AcCC]) and characterized by very good outcome. Our aim was to investigate therapeutic targets on a series of pediatric SGCs by immunohistochemical and molecular analysis.

METHODS

A retrospective analysis was performed to search for cases of pediatric SGCs in the database of the Pediatric Oncology Unit at the Istituto Nazionale Tumori and in the Pathology database at the Gerhard-Seifert-Reference-Centre. The expressions of the most common tyrosine-kinase receptors (TKRs) reported in adult SGCs as EGFR, HER2, KIT and hormonal receptors (HRs) (estrogen α and β, progesterone as well as androgen receptors) were investigated. CRTC1/MAML2 and MYB/NFIB were also analyzed in MEC and adenoid cystic carcinoma cases, respectively.

RESULTS

Twenty-nine cases were identified: 22 MECs, 4 AcCCs, 1 adenoid cystic carcinoma (ACC), 1 adenocarcinoma not otherwise specified and 1 sialoblastoma. EGFR was the most expressed TKR, whilst HRs were negative in all cases except for ER-β in four cases of MEC. CRTC1/MAML2 was present in 15 out of 17 evaluable MEC cases and MYB/NFIB was identified in the ACC case.

CONCLUSIONS

The immunohistochemical and molecular profiles of pediatric SGCs analyzed in our series are similar to that observed in adults, especially for MEC, supporting a common biological background.

Salivary gland epithelial neoplasms in pediatric population: a single-institute experience with a focus on the histologic spectrum and clinical outcome

Salivary gland epithelial neoplasms are rare in children and adolescents, with only a handful of large series having been published. A retrospective study was conducted for 57 cases in patients 20 years or younger. The tumors were located in the parotid (n=36), submandibular gland (n=7), and minor salivary glands (n=14). Nineteen (33%) tumors were pleomorphic adenoma, whereas the remaining (67%) were malignant. The histologic types of carcinomas were mucoepidermoid carcinoma (MEC, n=19, 33%), acinic cell carcinoma (n=7, 12%), adenoid cystic carcinoma (n=6, 11%), secretory carcinoma (mammary analogue) (SC, n=4, 7%), and myoepithelial carcinoma (n=2, 4%). Ninety-three percent (13/14) of the minor and 58% (25/43) of the major salivary gland tumors were malignant. A 7-year-old girl (2%) with a high-grade MEC died from her disease because of uncontrollable locoregional recurrence. Seven patients (16%) developed recurrence including 2 distant metastases from adenoid cystic carcinoma and 6 locoregional recurrences (2 pleomorphic adenomas, 1 SC, 1 myoepithelial carcinoma, 1 adenoid cystic carcinoma, and 1 MEC). The following parameters were associated with decreased disease-free survival in malignant tumors: elevated mitotic index of >4/10 high-power fields (log-rank test, P<.001), and advanced American Joint Committee on Cancer pT (P=.029) and pN stage (P<.001). In conclusion, myoepithelial carcinoma and SC can occur in the pediatric population and should be considered in the differential diagnosis. Salivary gland malignancies in children appear to have better clinical outcome, associated with a 10-year recurrence-free survival rate of 74% and a 10-year disease-specific survival of 94%.

NUT Midline Carcinoma of the Sublingual Gland: Clinical Presentation and Review

NUT midline carcinoma (NMC) is a rare and aggressive disease encountered in the midline of the head and neck or mediastinum. Due to its sparse incidence and subtle pathologic features, we aim to increase knowledge and awareness for this pathologic entity. We present an exemplary case of a young, healthy male presenting with oral cavity pain and cervical lymphadenopathy. This patient was initially diagnosed with an unspecified, highly aggressive sublingual gland malignancy and underwent locoregional resection with free flap reconstruction however suffered a rapid local recurrence and widely extensive metastasis within just 1 month. After rigorous analysis, final pathologic diagnosis revealed a poorly differentiated carcinoma with evidence of squamous differentiation that eventually, post-mortem tested positive for NMC. Only one prior case of sublingual gland NMC has been previously reported as we discuss the literature regarding all sublingual gland malignancies as well as the pathologic features and treatment options for NMC. We recommend consideration of testing for the NUT proto-oncogene at the time of biopsy in the clinical setting of a poorly differentiated midline carcinoma, especially with squamous differentiation, of the head or neck in order to identify patients for clinical trial enrollment and appropriately counsel on the poor clinical prognosis. Improving clinician awareness is critical to increase diagnostic accuracy and need to study prospective treatment outcomes as the first step toward improving management of this difficult disease.

Distribution of oral and maxillofacial lesions in pediatric patients from a Brazilian southeastern population

OBJECTIVES

Oral lesions affecting infants account for approximately 10% of all samples from diagnostic services and studies investigating the distribution of these lesions in pediatrics from different geographic areas are desired to improve the diagnostic knowledge of clinicians. Therefore, the aim of this study is to describe the distribution of oral lesions in a southeastern Brazilian population.

METHODS

The oral pathology files of the University of Campinas was retrospectively reviewed for all cases diagnosed from 2000 to 2014 affecting patients 16-years-old and younger. Data on gender and diagnosis were retrieved from patients' oral pathology reports and included in a Microsoft Excel^® database.

RESULTS

Out of 34,138 cases, 2539 affected pediatric patients (7.4%) with a higher incidence in those with 13-16 years-old. Salivary gland disease was the most common group of lesions (37.1%), followed by mucosal pathology (13.6%) and odontogenic cysts (11.3%). Mucous extravasation cyst was the most common lesion (36.3%), followed by fibrous hyperplasia (5.6%) and dental follicle (5.2%). Dental lesions were uncommon (7.9%) and malignancies rare (0.4%).

CONCLUSIONS

Our results were similar to previous studies and the small differences observed were more likely result of methodological variability and characteristics of the service of origin from where samples were collected.

Benign Pediatric Salivary Gland Lesions

Salivary gland lesions are rare in pediatric patients. In addition, the types of salivary gland tumors are different in their distribution in specific sites in the major and minor salivary glands in children compared with adults. This article reviews benign neoplastic and nonneoplastic salivary gland disorders in pediatric patients to help clinicians to develop an orderly differential diagnosis that will lead to expedient treatment of pediatric patients with salivary gland lesions.

Locally Advanced Stage High-Grade Mucoepidermoid Carcinoma of Salivary Gland in a 9-Year-Old Girl: The Controversy of Adjuvant Therapy

Malignant salivary gland tumors are rare in children, mostly represented by low-grade mucoepidermoid carcinomas. For these patients, long-term survival rates above 95% are reported after surgical resection. Here we report a case of a 9-year-old girl with a high grade locally advanced mucoepidermoid carcinoma undergoing adjuvant radiotherapy and chemotherapy after surgery. We emphasize the controversy and lack of evidence-based indication for these highly toxic adjuvant therapy modalities in children.

Pediatric salivary gland carcinomas: Diagnostic and therapeutic management

OBJECTIVES/HYPOTHESIS

To analyze clinical presentations, treatment modalities, and evolution of pediatric cases of salivary gland carcinomas to standardize care for these rare diseases.

STUDY DESIGN

Multicentric, retrospective study.

METHODS

We included in this retrospective study all children and adolescents (aged ≤18 years) treated from 1992 to 2012 in six pediatric centers in Paris, France. Pathological tumor specimens of these cases were reviewed.

RESULTS

Forty-three children were included (sex ratio male/female = 19/24, median age = 13 years). The parotid gland was the most common (37 cases) location for tumors. Histological subtypes were mucoepidermoid carcinomas (n = 20), acinic cell carcinomas (n = 14), and other (n = 9). Initial fine-needle aspiration was performed in 15 cases (33%), and was concordant to final diagnosis in three cases (20%). Primary surgery was performed in 42 patients, leading to a complete microscopic resection in 80%. Associated lymph node dissection was performed in 28 patients (homolateral: 27, bilateral: 1) and showed lymph node metastases in only two patients. One patient had distant metastases. Adjuvant irradiation was delivered to 11 patients (median: 60 Gy; range: 50-65) and chemotherapy in five cases. After a median follow-up of 5 years, six tumors relapsed, but no deaths occurred.

CONCLUSIONS

Childhood salivary gland carcinomas have a good prognosis despite possible recurrences. Treatment is mainly based on surgery, with simultaneous node dissection in cases of clinical or radiologic node enlargement. Radiation therapy seems to be restricted to inoperable high-grade tumors or after recurrence.

LEVEL OF EVIDENCE

4 Laryngoscope, 127:140-147, 2017.

Tumors in the parotid are not relatively more often malignant in children than in adults

INTRODUCTION

Tumors of the parotid gland in children are rare and very little data has been published regarding the incidence of these tumors. We present a nationwide survey on this topic.

METHODS

Data regarding benign and malignant tumors in the parotid gland in children from January 1st, 1990 to December 31st, 2005 in Denmark was collected retrospectively from nationwide registries. This generated 61 patients for inclusion in this study.

RESULTS

85% of the tumors were benign and the malignant tumors made up the last 15%. The most common of the malignant tumors was the acinic cell carcinoma (n=4) followed by the mucoepidermoid carcinoma (n=3) and adenoid cystic carcinoma (n=2). The overall female-to-male ratio was 1.18, with a ratio of 1.08 and 2.0 in the benign and malignant groups, respectively. At the end of follow-up (August 1st, 2014) two patients had died, one with adenoid cystic carcinoma and one with mucoepidermoid carcinoma. Both patients had perineural invasion and involved resection margins at presentation. The incidence was 0.12 and 0.53 per 100,000 children of the malignant and benign tumors, respectively.

CONCLUSION

Pleomorphic adenomas were the predominant neoplasm in the parotid gland in children. The most frequent of the malignant tumors was the acinic cell carcinoma, which is in contrast to previous studies. The proportion of malignant-to-benign parotid gland tumors is in contrast to earlier study reports not higher in children than in adults.

Proton versus conventional radiotherapy for pediatric salivary gland tumors: Acute toxicity and dosimetric characteristics

PURPOSE

We evaluated acute toxicity profiles and dosimetric data for children with salivary gland tumors treated with adjuvant photon/electron-based radiation therapy (X/E RT) or proton therapy (PRT).

METHODS AND MATERIALS

We identified 24 patients who had received adjuvant radiotherapy for salivary gland tumors. Data were extracted from the medical records and the treatment planning systems. Toxicity was scored according to the Common Terminology Criteria for Adverse Effects 4.0.

RESULTS

Eleven patients received X/E RT and 13 PRT, with a median prescribed dose of 60 Gy in each group. In the X/E RT group, 54% of patients developed acute grade II/III dermatitis, 27% grade II/III dysphagia, and 91% grade II/III mucositis, and the median weight loss was 5.3% with one patient requiring feeding tube placement. In the PRT group, 53% had acute grade II/III dermatitis, 0% grade II/III dysphagia, and 46% grade II/III mucositis, with a median weight gain of 1.2%. Additionally, PRT was associated with lower mean doses to several normal surrounding midline and contralateral structures.

CONCLUSION

In this retrospective study of pediatric salivary tumors, PRT was associated with a favorable acute toxicity and dosimetric profile. Continued follow-up is needed to identify long-term toxicity and survival data.

Let's face it - 13 unusual causes of facial masses in children

Facial swelling is commonly encountered in paediatric patients and is typically related to an underlying infection. The spectrum of possible causes, however, is wide, and includes traumatic, inflammatory, nutritional and neoplastic aetiologies. In this pictorial essay we present 13 examples of rare conditions selected from a total of 136 MRI examinations performed at our institution between April 2007 and May 2013. These include HIV-associated malignancies such as a case of plasmablastic lymphoma, parotid gland tumours including a parotid hamartoma, rare congenital lesions such as a thyroid fetiform teratoma, and infective lesions including tuberculosis of the mandible. In many cases, only minimal information could be gleaned from the literature, particularly with regard to imaging findings. An analysis of the spectrum of masses and specific clinical presentations allowed for the construction of a diagnostic flowchart which may serve to assist in unusual cases.

TEACHING POINTS

• Facial swelling is commonly encountered in paediatrics, with a wide spectrum of possible aetiologies. • MRI is the favoured imaging modality for accurate assessment. • Facial swelling is typically infectious in nature, but includes various benign and malignant causes. • This pictorial essay presents 13 examples of rare conditions with corresponding imaging.

Salivary gland carcinomas in children and adolescents: the Italian TREP project experience

BACKGROUND

Salivary gland carcinomas are extremely rare in pediatric age. We report the clinical features of a series of children/adolescents with salivary gland carcinomas prospectively registered in the Italian TREP (Rare Tumors in Pediatric Age) project.

PROCEDURES

Diagnostic/therapeutic guidelines were developed and shared among Italian pediatric oncology/surgical centers.

RESULTS

Seventeen patients were registered between 2000 and 2012, representing 19% of the cases expected to be seen based on epidemiological data. Tumors arose mainly in the parotid gland (14 cases). In most cases they were low-grade tumors (14 cases), often with a favorable clinical presentation, and low-stage disease. All patients underwent surgical resection, achieving histologically free margins in 9/17 cases. Thirteen of the 14 patients with parotid gland tumors had parotidectomy (10 total, 3 superficial), while one had a tumorectomy. Postoperative facial nerve lesions were reported in two cases. Adjuvant radiotherapy was given to 6 patients. The overall prognosis was good: only one patient with a huge high-grade tumor experienced disease progression and died of the disease. The other 16 patients were alive in first continuous remission 1-8 years after diagnosis. In 4/17 cases, the salivary gland carcinoma was a second tumor occurring 6-9 years after another primary cancer.

CONCLUSIONS

This is the first reported prospective national cooperative series of pediatric salivary gland carcinoma patients. Compliance with the TREP recommendations was high. These tumors are rarely managed by pediatric oncologists/surgeons. A broader international cooperation and better networking with otolaryngologists and head-neck surgeons expert on adult salivary gland carcinomas would be advisable.

Long term quality of life in pediatric patients surviving parotid tumors

OBJECTIVE

To evaluate the long term quality of life in pediatric patients who have survived parotid tumors.

METHODS

A quality of life instrument, based on the principles of the University of Washington Quality of Life questionnaire, was specifically created for this study and sent to pediatric patients who had undergone a parotidectomy between 2000 and 2008.

RESULTS

The mean general health score was 3.45, which was deemed good to very good. The highest overall score in the group was 99.24. These results indicated that almost no patients complained of pain. Initially, 10 patients had reported that sensation was affected, but six of these cases recovered. Three (9.1%) patients reported a change in their appearance. Two patients (6.1%) reported surgical site depression and a further two (6.1%) reported scarring depression. Six (18.2%) patients reported facial nerve impairment during the early postoperative period, and four of these cases recovered. Two patients reported fistula during the early postoperative period, and but the symptoms were resolved after intervention. Frey's syndrome was reported by three (9.1%) patients.

CONCLUSION

Parotidectomy has a limited negative impact on pediatric patients' quality of life.