Malignant facial tumors in children: radiologic evaluation. Stressing value of conventional and computerized tomography.

Twenty-five cases of malignant tumors of the face in children under 16 years of age were reviewed. In each case the presenting complaint was related to a mass of the face, without a known primary malignancy. Rhabdomyosarcoma was the most common malignancy, followed by equal numbers of histiocystic malignancies and malignant lymphomas. Chloroma and neuroblastoma were less common. Plain films were obtained on every patient and were always felt to be an appropriate part of the work-up. The plain films suggested or made the diagnosis of malignancy in 16 of the patients. The most helpful additional study was tomography. CT was the modality of choice for tumors originating in or extending into the orbit, and for intracranial extension. Xeroradiography best demonstrated a superficial soft tissue tumor. In evaluating facial malignancies, the number and sequence of examinations must be individualized according to the presentation.