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

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 (<= 20 years of age) for evaluation of clinicopathological characteristics, treatment, and outcome of this emerging issue. MATERIALS AND METHODS: A retrospective observational study was conducted from January 2011 to December 2015 in our Department of Radiotherapy. A total of nine patients of age 20 years or younger were identified during this period for analysis in this study. Various parameters such as age, clinical features, clinical stage, and the treatment received by the patients were recorded and analyzed for outcome. RESULTS AND DISCUSSION: Median age of presentation was 19 years with male: female ratio 8:1. The most common subsite involved was tongue > 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.