Head and neck carcinoma in children: A clinicopathological study of 42 cases

BACKGROUND/PURPOSE: Cancer is an important part of the global burden of childhood diseases. Head and neck carcinoma in children is rare and related research is limited. This study aimed to investigate the clinicopathological features of childhood head and neck carcinoma. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Forty-two cases of childhood head and neck carcinoma treated in our institution were reviewed and analyzed. RESULTS: Median age overall was 11 years. Twenty-three patients (54.8%) were male and 19 (45.2%) were female. Parotid gland location was most common (54.8%). Mucoepidermoid carcinoma and squamous cell carcinoma were the most common histological types (57.1% and 11.9%, respectively). Two patients had a history of bone marrow transplantation and two had a history of odontogenic keratocyst. The recurrence rate after treatment was 8.6%. CONCLUSION: Early diagnosis and treatment and close follow-up of childhood head and neck carcinoma are warranted to prevent recurrence and improve clinical outcome.