Pediatric Lymphoid and Histiocytic Lesions in the Head and Neck

Abstract

Lymphoid and histiocytic lesions of the head and neck in pediatric patients is a fascinating topic as most of these lesions are benign, but that the neoplastic cases are essential to diagnose accurately for appropriate treatment. It is thought that 90% of children will have palpable lymph nodes between the ages of 4 to 8; most, but not all, are non-malignant and some resolve spontaneously without treatment. This paper will look at many of the benign and malignant lesions of both lymphocytic and histiocytic origin that present in the head and neck of children focusing on their diagnostic criteria. There is a very pertinent discussion of nonmalignant lymphoid proliferations, as infections and other reactive conditions dominate the pathology of pediatric lymphohistiocytic head and neck lesions. Discussion of those lymphomas which arise more frequently in the head and neck focuses on those seen in children and young adults such as classic Hodgkin lymphoma and Burkitt lymphoma, as well as new more controversial entities such as pediatric-type follicular lymphoma. Histiocytic lesions, both benign and malignant, are described and may be challenging to diagnose.

Diagnostic peculiarities of lymphomas in the cervical region in children

“…Although any type of lymphoma can occur in a child, most pediatric lymphomas comprise only a few of the subtypes as defined by the World Health Organization. Aggressive lymphomas such as Burkitt lymphoma, diffuse large B-cell lymphoma, and ALK + anaplastic large cell lymphoma are much more common than indolent lymphomas [1]. The treatment of Hodgkin lymphoma (HL) is one of early success.…”