Pediatric submandibular triangle masses: a fifteen-year experience.
BACKGROUND
The purpose of this study was to evaluate the surgical results of pediatric submandibular triangle masses, with specific attention to neoplastic processes.


METHODS
We retrospectively reviewed the medical records of 105 patients aged 6 months to 21 years who underwent surgery in the submandibular triangle at a major pediatric tertiary care hospital from 1987 to 2001.


RESULTS
One hundred five patients who underwent surgery in the submandibular triangle were included in the study. Twenty patients had neoplastic processes, six of which were of primary salivary origin (two mucoepidermoid carcinomas and four pleomorphic adenomas). Twenty-four patients underwent excision of inflamed or infected lymph nodes, and 23 patients underwent excision of inflamed or infected submandibular glands. Thirty-eight patients were included who underwent surgery for sialorrhea or to gain access for another surgical procedure. Complications included tumor recurrence, transient and permanent marginal mandibular nerve weakness, ranula, postoperative fluid collection, and cellulitis. Duration of follow-up ranged from no follow-up to 11 years.


CONCLUSIONS
Surgical excision of submandibular triangle masses is uncommon. We present our experience with these lesions, with a discussion of diagnosis, surgical indications, and surgical complications.
Division of Pediatric Otolaryngology, Children's Hospital of Philadelphia, The University of Pennsylvania School of Medicine, One Wood Building Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, USA.
Neil G
NG
Hockstein
Daniel S
DS
Samadi
Kristin
K
Gendron
David
D
Carpentieri
Ralph F
RF
Wetmore
D008949:Adenoma, Pleomorphic / Q000601:surgery*; D000293:Adolescent; D000328:Adult; D018277:Carcinoma, Mucoepidermoid / Q000601:surgery*; D002648:Child; D002675:Child, Preschool; D003937:Diagnosis, Differential; D005260:Female; D006258:Head and Neck Neoplasms / Q000601:surgery*; D006391:Hemangioma / Q000601:surgery; D006689:Hodgkin Disease / Q000175:diagnosis; D006801:Humans; D007223:Infant; D008198:Lymph Nodes / Q000601:surgery; D008202:Lymphangioma / Q000601:surgery*; D008232:Lymphoproliferative Disorders / Q000175:diagnosis; D008297:Male; D012189:Retrospective Studies; D012469:Salivary Glands / Q000601:surgery; D012793:Sialadenitis / Q000601:surgery*; D013363:Submandibular Gland / Q000601:surgery; D016896:Treatment Outcome