Salivary Gland Tumors and Sialadenitis in Children—Experience at Childrens Hospital of Los Angeles

• Published in: California medicine 1968-06, Vol.108 (6), p.423-429
• Main Authors: Karlan, Mitchell S., Snyder, William H.
• Format: Article
• Language: English
• Subjects: Child; Child, Preschool; Diagnosis, Differential; Female; Humans; Infant; Male; Salivary Gland Diseases - diagnosis; Salivary Gland Diseases - therapy; Salivary Gland Neoplasms - diagnosis
• ISSN: 0008-1264; 2380-9949

Parotitis, hemangio-endothelioma and mixed tumors are the most common salivary gland lesions in the pediatric age group. Carcinoma and sarcoma are uncommon. Rapid growth of a tumor and pain suggest malignant change. A conservative non-operative approach is stressed for most cases of chronic parotitis. Scout x-ray films and sialangiographic examination are useful in differentiating an inflammatory lesion from a neoplastic growth. Total parotidectomy is advised if operation is indicated. A case of spontaneous resolution of a hemangioma of the parotid gland is presented. A less aggressive temporizing plan should be considered with these lesions, as the risk of seventh nerve injury in children is considerable. The treatment of choice for a non-inflammatory tumor is surgical excision, for most parotid tumors are radioresistant. Small masses should be completely excised for pathological evaluation. Incisional biopsy may occasionally be indicated in the case of a large diffuse lesion, for it may be inflammatory and total excision unnecessary. Most patients with chronic parotitis came to medical attention because of a non-tender asymptomatic parotid lump or diffuse swelling. Images