Article
Acinic cell carcinoma of the parotid gland in a child
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Published: | July 6, 2010 |
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Introduction: Salivary gland tumors account for about 5% of all tumors of the head and neck region. The peak incidence is in the 5th–7th decade of life. Most salivary gland tumors of the parotid gland are benign. Children are affected rarely, but in most cases there are malignant tumors.
Method: A fifteen-years old boy was presented with a mass in the right parotid gland. After tumor excision the histological examination showes an epithelial salivary gland tumor without histological malignancy. After one year follow up, a mass at the right parotid gland without clinical malignancy was observed. Therefore, we performed a lateral parotidectomy.
Results: The histological examination showed the microcystic variant of an acinic cell carcinoma of the parotid gland. Therefore, a total parotidectomy was carried out with complete facial nerve preservation and selective neck dissection. Because of negative staging no further adjuvant therapy was required. The patient is up to now free of recurrence.
Conclusion: Malignant parotid gland tumors in children, especially acinic cell carcinoma provide an absolute rarity. In the present case only the immunocytochemical workup could provide the definitive diagnosis. Therapy of choice is complete surgical resection as well as frequent observation. Adjuvant therapy is to discuss in cases with metastasis.