Sialoblastoma of the parotid gland in a 13-year-old girl with multiple recurrences and long-term follow-up

Abstract

Background: Sialoblastoma is an extremely rare congenital salivary gland tumor of epithelial origin. It is usually localized in the parotid or submandibular gland and presents primarily at birth or in early childhood.

Methods: We report a case of a 13-year-old girl with a sialoblastoma of the parotid gland presenting as an asymptomatic painless mass.

Results: The patient showed multiple recurrences and, based on the histopathological finding of facial nerve infiltration, was treated surgically with total parotidectomy and facial nerve reconstruction.

Conclusion: Because of the rare occurrence of sialoblastoma, there is no evidence-based treatment of choice. The treatment should be individualized, taking into consideration the patient's age, the high locoregional recurrence rate, the local aggressive characteristics, and the potential metastatic activity of this rare tumor. A close follow-up of the patient is strongly recommended.

Keywords: childhood; parotid tumor; salivary malignancy; sialoblastoma.