Pediatric surgical pathology of the head and neck

Anatomically, the head and neck region is composed of a greater variety of structures than any other part of the body. Practically all the anatomic structures can be the site of the various pathological processes. Multiplying the anatomic structures by the various pathological processes produces an infinite number of pathological diagnoses that may be encountered in the head and neck region. The large number of pathological possibilities provides a challenge for the pathologist working in surgical pathology of the head and neck region in children. Whenever a specimen is submitted to the laboratory, it is necessary to have at one's disposal a list of differential diagnoses. Clinical information is of importance in interpreting specimens if excellence in patient management is to be achieved. Therefore, it is imperative that open communication exist between the clinician and the pathologist. Thus, a combination of knowledge of the pathological possibilities, the range of differential diagnoses, the ability to use newer technologies, such as cell marker determinations by flow cytometry and immunoperoxidase, and dialogue with clinical physicians will provide some assurance of the ultimate in patient care. Herein the authors discuss some of the more common and important neoplasms encountered in pediatric head and neck surgical pathology.