Pediatric head and neck squamous cell carcinoma: A retrospective observational study

摘要

BACKGROUND: Pediatric head and neck squamous cell carcinoma is very rare. Limited data are available in English literature on this issue due to paucity of cases. Hence, we retrieved data of pediatric head and neck cancer in younger age group ( buccal mucosa > tonsil > retromolar trigone. Surgery was preferred treatment modality followed by adjuvant therapy (radiotherapy/chemotherapy). Complete response was shown in 62% cases. Disease progression was found in 25% of cases. On median follow-up of 8 months, 25% of patients had developed local recurrence, none showed metastatic disease. CONCLUSION: The rarity of these tumors inevitably results in a paucity of high-level evidence to guide treatment. It has a high impact on the quality of life, cosmetic outcomes, and secondary malignancies may develop with increased survival. More clinical studies to be conducted to establish etiopathological characteristic and treatment guidelines in this issue.