Commonest salivary gland tumour in children ?
**Core Concept**
Salivary gland tumors in children are relatively rare, but they can be classified into benign and malignant types. The most common type of salivary gland tumor in children is of epithelial origin, which can be further divided into various subtypes.
**Why the Correct Answer is Right**
The correct answer is the pleomorphic adenoma, which is a benign epithelial tumor that accounts for approximately 60-70% of all salivary gland tumors in children. Pleomorphic adenomas are characterized by their mixed appearance under the microscope, containing both epithelial and mesenchymal elements. They typically occur in the parotid gland, but can also be found in the submandibular gland and minor salivary glands. The exact cause of pleomorphic adenomas is unknown, but they are thought to arise from the ductal epithelium of the salivary gland.
**Why Each Wrong Option is Incorrect**
**Option A:** Warthin's tumor is a benign salivary gland tumor, but it is much less common in children than pleomorphic adenoma.
**Option B:** Mucoepidermoid carcinoma is a malignant salivary gland tumor that can occur in children, but it is not the most common type.
**Option C:** Adenoid cystic carcinoma is another malignant salivary gland tumor that can occur in children, but it is relatively rare.
**Clinical Pearl / High-Yield Fact**
Pleomorphic adenomas are typically slow-growing and painless, but they can cause facial weakness or swelling if they become large enough to compress surrounding structures. Early diagnosis and excision are essential to prevent malignant transformation.
**Correct Answer:** C. Pleomorphic adenoma