Korean J Head Neck Oncol.  2024 Nov;40(2):7-16. 10.21593/kjhno/2024.40.2.7.

Nationwide Incidence Trends of Pediatric Parotid Malignancy in Korea and a Retrospective Analysis of Single-Institution Surgical Experience of Parotidectomy

• Kim HS
• Kim SY
• Chung EJ
• Kwon SK
• Ahn SH
• Jung YS
• Seok J

• KMID: 2561723
• DOI: http://doi.org/10.21593/kjhno/2024.40.2.7

Abstract

Background/Objectives
Pediatric parotid malignancies are rare but represent a critical subset of head and neck cancers. This study integrates nationwide incidence trends in Korea with detailed surgical outcomes from a single tertiary institution to better understand the characteristics and management of these tumors. Materials & Methods: Nationwide data from the Korea Central Cancer Registry (1999-2019) were analyzed to assess trends in pediatric parotid malignancy incidence. A retrospective review was conducted on 31 pediatric parotidectomy cases at a tertiary hospital from 2011 to 2024. Clinical data, surgical methods, pathology results, and follow-up outcomes were examined.
Results
Nationwide analysis revealed an annual mean of 9.0 ± 4.0 cases of pediatric parotid malignancies, with a significant rise in incidence among patients aged 10-19 years (APC 5.4%, 95% CI 1.1-9.8, p=0.016). Institutional data showed that the median age of patients underwent parotidectomy was 15.0 years, with males comprising 67.7%. Among 31 cases, 19 (61.3%) were benign, primarily pleomorphic adenomas (68.4%), and 12 (38.7%) were malignant, predominantly mucoepidermoid carcinoma (87.5%). Superficial or partial parotidectomy was the most common surgical approach (71.0%), and no unexpected complications or recurrences were observed.
Conclusion
Pediatric parotid malignancies in Korea exhibit rising incidence rates, particularly among teenagers. Surgical outcomes confirm the predominance of pleomorphic adenomas and mucoepidermoid carcinomas. Pediatric parotid surgery is a procedure with minimized complications and a promising prognosis. Tailored treatment strategies adapted to the unique characteristics of pediatric patients are essential to optimize outcomes.

Keyword

Epidemiology⋅Incidence trends⋅Parotid cancers⋅Pediatric⋅Salivary gland cancers