Primacy of surgery in the management of mucoepidermoid carcinoma in children

Background Epithelial salivary gland neoplasms are rare in children. Malignant tumors account for 30% to 50% of cases in the pediatric age group, with mucoepidermoid carcinoma as the most common histology. Methods A retrospective medical record review was conducted from 1953 to 2007 to identify patients with mucoepidermoid carcinoma at the age of 18 years or younger at the time of diagnosis. Forty-nine patients were identified. Their medical records were examined for presentation, treatment, pathologic features, and outcomes. Results Forty-nine pediatric patients with mucoepidermoid carcinoma were identified. The parotid gland (49%) and oral cavity (35%) were the most common subsites. Nodal metastasis was seen in 24% of patients. All patients underwent surgery, and 11 patients (22%) were treated with radiation therapy. The 5-year overall survival was 98%, the 10-year overall survival was 94%, and 10% of patients developed recurrence. Conclusion Mucoepidermoid carcinoma in children carries a favorable prognosis and can be successfully treated with surgery alone in most cases.