Global frequency and distribution of head and neck cancer in pediatrics, a systematic review. (April 2020)

• Record Type: Journal Article
• Authors: Arboleda, Lady Paola Aristizábal; de Mendonça, Regina Maria Holanda; Lopez, Eliana Elisa Muñoz; Araújo, Anna Luíza Damaceno; Palmier, Natalia Rangel; de Pauli Paglioni, Mariana; Fonseca, Jéssica Montenegro; Hoffmann, Iva Loureiro; Cardinalli, Izilda Aparecida; Chaves, Aline L.F.; Aranda, Saray; Brandão, Thaís Bianca; Lopes, Marcio Ajudarte; Ribeiro, Ana Carolina Prado; Troconis, Cristhian Camilo Madrid; Santos-Silva, Alan Roger
• Is Part Of: Critical reviews in oncology/hematology. Volume 148(2020)
• Publication Date: 2020-04
• Subjects: Head -- Neck -- Cancer -- Malignancies -- Pediatrics -- Children -- Adolescents -- Epidemiology; Oncology -- Periodicals; Hematology -- Periodicals; 616.994
• DOI: 10.1016/j.critrevonc.2020.102892
• Languages: English
• ISSNs: 1040-8428

Abstract

Highlights: Lymphomas are the most prevalent head and neck cancer in pediatric patients. The distribution of head and neck cancer is impacted by geographic origin. Neck and lymph nodes are hotspots for cancer in children. The incidence of head and neck cancer in pediatric patients is relatively low. Only a few studies on pediatric head and neck cancer were published so far. Abstract: Background: Incidence and mortality rates of childhood cancer represent a global public health issue, however, the worldwide prevalence of head and neck cancer in pediatric patients (HNCPP) is still unknown. Therefore, this study aimed to describe the frequency and distribution of HNCPP worldwide. Methods: A specific search strategy was performed using MEDLINE, Scopus, and EMBASE to include studies based on hospital records, national cancer registries, and pathology files. Studies quality was assessed using the risk of bias checklist of the Joanna Briggs Institute Critical Appraisal. Results: Nineteen publications (15, 970 cases) were included. Global frequency ranged from 0.25 % to 15 %. Male patients older than 10 years of age were most affected by lymphomas, followed by carcinomas and sarcomas. Non-Hodgkin lymphoma, Hodgkin lymphoma, rhabdomyosarcoma, thyroid carcinoma, and nasopharyngeal carcinoma were the main histopathological subtypes. Neck/lymph nodes were anatomical hotspots. Conclusions: This HNCPP global overview may guide secondary prevention strategies and future etiological studies.