Pleomorphic adenoma of the salivary glands in children and adolescents

BackgroundPleomorphic adenomas (PAs) of the salivary glands are rare in children and adolescents. We reviewed the clinical manifestations, pathologic features, treatment, and prognosis of salivary gland PA in 90 children and adolescents.MethodsClinical data including age, sex, location, symptoms, the period of evolution of the symptoms, pathologic type, and surgical treatment were evaluated.ResultsThe median age was 16.5 years old. There was a 1.43:1 female-to-male ratio. The parotid gland was the most commonly affected major gland (56.7%), and the palate, the most common site of minor salivary gland involvement. Ultrasonography and computed tomography were performed in most cases for diagnosis. Superficial parotidectomy or total parotidectomy with facial nerve dissection and preservation was the most common surgical procedure. Submandibular triangle dissection was applied to all submandibular PAs. Classic-type PA was the most common histologic subtype (43.3%).ConclusionsSalivary gland PAs in children and adolescents have different characteristics compared with their adult counterparts in regard to histologic subtype and location. Surgical removal is the best treatment option for PAs in children and adolescents.