Malignant salivary gland tumours in children.

Nine malignant salivary gland tumours in children, reported to the Swedish Cancer Registry between 1958 to 1980, are reviewed. All tumours appeared in the parotid gland. Five cases were muco-epidermoid carcinoma of low-grade malignancy. All patients but one were treated with surgery. The postoperative follow-up period is 1 to 21 years. Three children have died, 2 of tumour disease, 1 and 18 years respectively after diagnosis. In the other children there are no signs of recurrence. Salivary gland tumours in children must be treated according to the same principles generally accepted for adult salivary gland neoplasias.