Pediatric head and neck tumors: An intra-demographic analysis using the SEER* database

Abstract

Background: The aim of this study was to determine the most frequently presenting tumors exclusive to the head and neck within the pediatric population, and to identify racial disparities within the existing incidence rates. Material/Methods: The population-based Surveillance, Epidemiology, and End Results (SEER) registry was utilized to identify the frequency and incidence rates of various tumors found exclusively in the head and neck, diagnosed between 1973 and 2008 in pediatric patients. The tumor categories were based on those defined by the US Department of Health and Human Services National Cancer Institute (NCI). Proportional comparisons were applied to evaluate the intra-demographic incidence rate differences. Results: Among the 11 categories defined, the 5 most prevalent head and neck cancers within the pediatric population were salivary gland tumors (n=319); followed by nasopharyngeal neoplasms (n=311); tumors of the nose, nasal cavity and middle ear (n=208); gum and other mouth tumors (n=134); and glossal tumors (n=61). Proportional comparisons between racial frequency rates indicated that salivary gland tumors were greatest among white pe-diatric patients (n=246, CI=0.8 to 14.1%, p