Pleomorphic adenoma of the parotid in childhood.

INTRODUCTION: Pleomorphic adenoma is a benign growth that most often appears in the parotid gland where it is the most frequent type of tumour. Its appearance in childhood is rare and there are no large series available in this age group for comparison with its presentation in adults. Surgical treatment is similar in children and in adults; whilst the prognosis is good, they may become malignant and metastasize. MATERIAL AND METHOD: In this study, we present seven parotid pleomorphic adenomas in childhood treated in our Department and a review of the literature. The following data were evaluated: sex, age, affected side, clinical symptoms and period of evolution of the symptoms, surgical technique applied and complications observed. RESULTS: The mean age at presentation was 12.4 years. All patients were males with the right side affected in five patients. The treatment was conservative superficial parotidectomy in five patients, conservative total parotidectomy in one, and an enucleation including a wide safety margin in the last case. None of the patients exhibited any permanent postoperative complication. The mean follow-up was 41.3 months (26-58 months).

Upper airway distress due to an oropharyngeal infantile myofibroma.

Infantile myofibroma is an uncommon fibrous tumour of infancy, usually present at birth. It is a rare cause of child airway obstruction, with only one neonatal case reported. We report an eight months age case which was referred to our Unit for increasing respiratory distress. CT scan showed a well defined margins mass measuring 7×5×5cm arising from the left parapharyngeal space and occupying the oropharynx. We performed a complete surgical resection through a transoral approach with no events during the surgery. The patient has been followed-up by the first author for five years with no signs of recurrence or sequelaes.