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Pleomorphic adenoma of the head and neck in children: presentation and management
Natasha D Dombrowski1, Nikolaus E Wolter2,3, Alexandria L Irace1
1Department of Otolaryngology and Communication Enhancement, Boston, Massachusetts, U.S.A.
Insights
Pediatric pleomorphic adenoma, the most common benign salivary gland tumor, requires careful management. This study found a low recurrence rate (4.9%) after surgical excision, emphasizing the need for continued patient monitoring.
Area of Science:
- Pediatric Otolaryngology
- Head and Neck Surgery
- Surgical Oncology
Background:
- Pleomorphic adenoma is the most frequent benign tumor of salivary glands in children.
- Concerns regarding recurrence and malignant transformation necessitate effective treatment strategies.
Purpose of the Study:
- To review the clinical presentation, diagnostic evaluation, and management of pleomorphic adenoma in pediatric patients.
- To analyze treatment outcomes, including complications and recurrence rates.
Main Methods:
- Retrospective chart review of 41 patients under 20 years old treated for pleomorphic adenoma from 1998 to 2017.
- Data collected included demographics, clinical findings, imaging results (ultrasound, CT, MRI), surgical treatment, complications, and follow-up duration.
- Analysis focused on identifying patterns of occurrence, treatment efficacy, and recurrence.
Main Results:
- Pleomorphic adenomas were predominantly found in major salivary glands (78.0%), particularly the parotid gland.
- Minor salivary gland involvement occurred in the palate, buccal mucosa, parapharyngeal space, and upper lip.
- Surgical excision was universally performed, with a low recurrence rate of 4.9% and manageable postoperative complications such as transient facial paresis.
Conclusions:
- Preoperative imaging is crucial for evaluating pediatric pleomorphic adenoma.
- Complete surgical excision with clear margins is the primary treatment goal.
- Despite a low recurrence rate, long-term follow-up is recommended for pediatric patients.
Objective:
Pleomorphic adenoma is the most common benign salivary gland neoplasm in children. Recurrence and malignant transformation are concerns necessitating proper treatment. The goal of this research was to discuss the presentation, evaluation, and management of pediatric pleomorphic adenoma of the head and neck.
Methods:
Retrospective chart review of patients under 20 years of age treated for pleomorphic adenoma of the head and neck between 1998 and 2017. Data assessed included demographics, clinical presentation, imaging, treatment, complications, recurrence, and follow-up.
Results:
Forty-one patients with pleomorphic adenoma were identified. Major salivary gland lesions were most common (n = 32, 78.0%); 78.1% (25 of 32) arising in the parotid and 21.9% (7 of 32) in the submandibular glands. Minor salivary gland lesions were removed from the palate (5 of 9, 55.6%), buccal mucosa (2 of 9, 22.2%), parapharyngeal space (1 of 9, 11.1%), and upper lip (1 of 9, 11.1%). Preoperative imaging was reviewed in 32 patients and consisted of nine ultrasound exams, 15 computerized tomography (CT) exams, and 23 magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) exams. Multimodality imaging was performed in 14 of 32 patients. Surgical excision was performed in all patients. Postoperative complications included transient facial paresis (n = 9), Frey syndrome (n = 1), and bacterial pharyngitis (n = 1). Average length of follow-up was 25.5 months; confirmed recurrence occurred in two patients (4.9%).
Conclusion:
Evaluation of pleomorphic adenoma in children should include preoperative imaging. The goal of surgery should be complete surgical excision with negative margins. Rate of recurrence is low; however, prolonged monitoring is recommended.
Level Of Evidence:
4. Laryngoscope, 129:2603-2609, 2019.
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