Neoplasms of the Head and Neck

Abstract

Neoplasms of the head and neck in children are different from those of adult population in frequency and pathology. The most benign tumor in children is infantile hemangioma. Other common benign tumors and tumor-like lesions include teratoma, nasopharyngeal angiofibroma, Langerhans cell histiocytosis (LCH), and soft tissue tumors (fibromatosis colli, lipoblastoma, plexiform neurofibromas, and pilomatrixoma). Malignant head and neck tumor is less common and comprises approximately 5 % of childhood malignancy. Lymphoma is the most common malignant tumor accounting for approximately 50 % of cases followed by rhabdomyosarcoma. Other malignant tumors include leukemia, neuroblastoma, and retinoblastoma. Although carcinomas are rare in children, salivary and thyroid gland carcinomas are most frequently encountered in children. Knowledge of the anatomy of the head and neck, location and tissue characterization of the tumor, and clinical characteristics are helpful in the differential diagnosis of pediatric head and neck neoplasms.