Salivary gland tumors and sialadenitis in children. Experience at Childrens Hospital of Los Angeles.
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.