Vol. 7, Issue 2, Part A (2025)

Background: Salivary gland tumors are rare in the pediatric population, comprising less than 5% of all head and neck neoplasms in children and adolescents. Due to their rarity, clinical presentation, histopathology, and optimal management strategies are less well-characterized.
Objective: To analyze the clinical, histopathological, and treatment outcomes of 60 pediatric and adolescent patients diagnosed with salivary gland tumors.
Methods: This retrospective study evaluated 60 cases of salivary gland tumors in patients aged 0-18 years, treated at Department of ENT, 250 Bed General Hospital, Chittagong, Bangladesh between June 2023 to June 2025. Data collected included demographics, tumor location, clinical presentation, histopathology, treatment modality, and outcomes.
Results: Of the 60 cases, 35 were male and 25 female, with a mean age of 12.4±4.2 years. The parotid gland was the most commonly affected site (70%), followed by submandibular (20%) and minor salivary glands (10%). Benign tumors accounted for 65% of cases, with pleomorphic adenoma being the most frequent (50%). Malignant tumors constituted 35%, predominantly mucoepidermoid carcinoma. Surgical excision was the primary treatment, with adjuvant therapy for high-grade malignancies. Recurrence was noted in 10% of cases over a median follow-up of 5 years.
Conclusion: Salivary gland tumors in children and adolescents, though rare, present diagnostic and therapeutic challenges. Early recognition and complete surgical excision result in favorable outcomes for benign tumors. Malignant tumors require multidisciplinary management for optimal prognosis.