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. 1968 Jun;108(6):423–429.

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

Mitchell S Karlan, William H Snyder Jr
PMCID: PMC1503146  PMID: 5667594

Abstract

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.

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Selected References

These references are in PubMed. This may not be the complete list of references from this article.

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