Tumors of the orofacial zone in children and adolescents (literature review)

Abstract

Relevance. The relevance of the literature review presented by the authors is due to the diversity and complexity of the differential diagnosis of tumors of the orofacial zone in children and adolescents. Against the background of the absolute predominance of benign neoplasms, about 10-20% falls on the share of malignant neoplasms in this area. In this regard, polyclinic specialists often do not show sufficient oncological alertness, which leads to an unjustified lengthening of the diagnostic period and late diagnosis of malignant neoplasms.The purpose of the literature review is to discuss the results of studies on the epidemiological, clinical and therapeutic features of the tumor process in the orofacial zone in children and adolescents.Materials and methods. The searching of publications on the subject of the review were performed in the databases: https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/, https://elibrary.ru/cit_title_items.asp, https://www.researchgate.net/, https://elibrary.ru/. The authors describe the clinical manifestations of tumors depending on the location of the lesion and histological affiliation. The initial symptoms of both malignant and benign neoplasms are often nonspecific. Prevailing benign neoplasms can only be treated by surgery. Much less often in children and adolescents, malignant neoplasms are also found: squamous cell carcinoma of the oral cavity, Langerhans cell histiocytosis and others, which are treated in accordance with the principles of complex / combined anticancer therapy, including courses to minimize the amount of rehabilitation. Results. Timely diagnosis and prevention of the development of neoplasms in the orofacial area can reduce the severity of morphological and functional disorders in children and adolescents. Despite the use of effective methods of surgical or combination therapy, many need rehabilitation measures.Conclusions. The optimal position of a pediatrician, therapist, dentist, or surgeon at the stage of tumor diagnosis should be the implementation of oncological alertness, which implies an active approach without long-term "dynamic observation" of patients. Oncological alertness, especially among dentists, will improve the results of antitumor therapy in patients with Orofacial tumors.