ABSTRACT
Fewer than 5% of all salivary gland tumors occur in children and are exceedingly rare in neonates. Histopathologically, Batsakis et al. categorized the perinatal salivary gland tumors into four groups.63,64 The first group includes histologically benign tumors that have adult counterparts such as pleomorphic and monomorphic adenomas. The second group comprises the hamartomatous tumors. The third group includes epithelial enlarged-type tumors and are referred to either as sialoblastomas or embryomas. This group is the most common variety of perinatal salivary gland tumor and surgery without chemotherapy or irridiation is the treatment of choice. These lesions have a tendency for local recurrence.65 The last group, which are extremely rare, include the malignant salivary gland tumors of the newborn.66 Most congenital forms are carcinomatous in nature. MRI or CT is the method of choice for the radiological examination of masses in or around the salivary glands.65,67 These investigations provide exact anatomical detail, demonstrating the precise location of a mass within the parotid gland from which its probable impact on the position of the facial nerve may be inferred. Congenital malignant tumors of the parotid gland require conservative parotidectomy with preservation of the seventh nerve. The outlook after surgery for congenital malignant tumors of the parotid gland is excellent.
