Salivary gland disease in infancy and childhood: non-malignant lesions

The differential diagnosis for benign lesions of the salivary glands in infancy and childhood can be somewhat overwhelming, especially in light of their infrequent occurrence in a general otolaryngologic practice. The purpose of this review is to discuss these conditions under the headings of inflammatory conditions, immunologic disorders, granulomatous disease, trauma, cysts, systemic disorders and benign neoplasms. Basic techniques of diagnosis and treatment as they apply to children will be outlined.