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Acinic cell carcinoma of the parotid in children
A O Jones1, A H Lam, H C Martin
1Department of Radiology, St Vincent's Hospital, Darlinghurst, Australia.
Insights
Acinic cell carcinoma in children can present with ultrasound features mimicking benign parotid gland masses. Early consideration of this rare malignancy is crucial for accurate diagnosis in pediatric patients.
Area of Science:
- Pediatric Radiology
- Oncology
- Genetics
Background:
- Acinic cell carcinoma (ACC) is a rare salivary gland malignancy, infrequently diagnosed in pediatric patients.
- The oculocerebrorenal syndrome of Lowe (Lowe syndrome) is a rare congenital disorder affecting multiple organ systems.
Observation:
- This report details the imaging findings of two pediatric cases of parotid gland acinic cell carcinoma.
- One patient had Lowe syndrome, with no previously known association with ACC.
- Ultrasound findings in both cases suggested benign parotid masses rather than malignancy.
Findings:
- The ultrasound characteristics of these pediatric ACC cases were more indicative of benign lesions.
- Key features included well-defined, homogenous, hypoechoic intraparotid masses, sometimes with cystic spaces.
Implications:
- Pediatric acinic cell carcinoma may present with imaging features that can be mistaken for benign conditions.
- Increased awareness of these subtle ultrasound findings is necessary for timely diagnosis and management of pediatric parotid gland ACC.
Abstract:
The imaging findings of two children with acinic cell carcinoma of the parotid gland are presented. Ultrasonic features are emphasized. One of these children, a 6-year-old boy, suffers from the oculocerebrorenal syndrome of Lowe, a rare congenital, inherited condition manifested by defects of the nervous system (mental retardation, hypotonia), eyes (cataracts, glaucoma) and kidneys. To date, no known association exists between these two rare entities. The other child, a 10-year-old girl, was otherwise well. The ultrasound findings of both cases demonstrate features more classic for a benign intraparotid mass than for a potentially malignant lesion. The possibility of acinic cell carcinoma should be considered if a well-defined, relatively homogenously hypo-echoic intraparotid mass is encountered in a child, especially if cystic spaces are present.