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[Mucoepidermoid carcinoma of the parotid gland in young children]
H Belghiti1, K Znati, T Harmouch
1Service d'anatomie et de cytologie pathologiques, CHU Hassan II, Fès, Maroc. belghiti29@hotmail.com
Insights
This report details a rare case of mucoepidermoid carcinoma in a four-year-old boy, highlighting the extreme rarity of parotid gland tumors in young children. Early diagnosis and surgical intervention are crucial for managing this pediatric malignancy.
Area of Science:
- Pediatric Oncology
- Head and Neck Surgery
- Rare Cancers
Background:
- Mucoepidermoid carcinoma (MEC) is a rare parotid gland malignancy, typically affecting adults.
- It represents 1-3% of all head and neck cancers.
- Pediatric MEC of the parotid gland is exceptionally uncommon.
Observation:
- A four-and-half-year-old boy presented with a progressively enlarging left parotid mass.
- Ultrasound revealed a 2.3cm hyperechogenic, heterogeneous parotid tumor with ipsilateral lymphadenopathy.
- Surgical management included total parotidectomy with facial nerve preservation and functional neck dissection.
Findings:
- Histopathological examination suggested a low-grade mucoepidermoid carcinoma.
- The patient's young age (under ten) makes this one of the youngest reported cases globally.
- Malignant parotid tumors in children are exceedingly rare, with fewer than 19 cases documented worldwide.
Implications:
- This case underscores the importance of considering rare malignancies in pediatric head and neck swellings.
- Aggressive surgical management is vital for pediatric parotid gland tumors.
- Further research into the unique characteristics of pediatric MEC is warranted.
Introduction:
Mucoepidermoid carcinoma of the parotid gland is a rare malignant tumor mostly affecting adults. It accounts for 1 to 3 % of head and neck malignant tumors. It is very rarely observed in children under 10 years of age.
Observation:
A four-and-half-year-old boy was brought to consultation in our department, in June 2006, for a left cervical swelling having progressively increased over the previous two years. Cervical US confirmed the presence of a 2.3cm long tumor of the left parotid area, hyperechogenic and heterogenic, associated to a homolateral lymphadenopathy in the jugular and carotid region (zone II), 2cm in diameter. A total parotidectomy preserving the facial nerve was performed. The biopsy extemporaneous histological examination suggested a low-grade mucoepidermoid carcinoma. Surgery was completed by functional neck dissection.
Discussion:
Our four-and-half-year-old patient was one of the youngest cases ever reported. Malignant parotid gland tumors are very rarely observed in children: less than 19 cases have been published worldwide. Its occurrence in a young child under ten years of age is very rare. Mucoepidermoid carcinoma accounts for one third of all malignant parotid gland tumors.
