Parotid carcinoma as a second malignancy after treatment of childhood acute lymphoblastic leukemia

The occurrence of second malignant neoplasms (SMN) in children who survive their primary malignancy is a major cause for concern. Two children with diagnoses of intermediate-risk acute lymphoblastic leukemia (ALL) at 22 months and 2 years of age were treated with multiagent chemotherapy and prophylactic cranial irradiation. They experienced painless parotid swelling 6 and 7 years after successful treatment of the ALL. The patients underwent total parotidectomy, and a diagnosis of mucoepidermoid carcinoma was made. Both patients experienced transient facial nerve paresis. The incidence of SMN in children successfully treated for primary malignancies is 3% to 12%. Salivary gland tumors are being increasingly described in this setting. Long-term follow-up for survivors of childhood ALL is recommended with prompt assessment and resection of parotid swellings, particularly in children who have received cranial irradiation.