Basal cell adenocarcinoma of the parotid gland

Basal cell adenocarcinoma is a rare entity that was first defined as a malignant salivary gland tumor in 1991. A 57-year-old patient presented with a 6-month history of an enlarging and painless mass in the left parotid region. By examination we found a mobile tumor with a diameter of approx. 2 cm at the lower pole of the left parotid gland with normal overlying skin. The facial function was normal. Ultrasonography showed a 2 x 1.5 cm measuring mass with posterior enhancement on the left parotid gland. The surrounding soft parts of the neck were normal. We first suspected a cystadenolymphoma. With a medical history of Hodgkin lymphoma, the histological confirmation was made by extracapsular enucleation of the left parotid gland. The histological findings revealed a basal cell adenocarcinoma of the left parotid gland. The lateral parotidectomy with selective neck dissection, which was indicated in our multidisciplinary tumor conference, was performed with R0 resection. Due to their biological behavior and prognosis, basal cell adenocarcinomas should be classified as low-grade carcinomas. The differentiation of basal cell adenomas and adenoid cystic carcinomas is difficult. The correct histological diagnosis is crucial for the therapeutic strategy. The treatment of choice is a parotidectomy with facial nerve monitoring and, if necessary, a neck dissection. Radiation should be considered in patients with recurrent disease. Since the local recurrence rate is almost 30%, intensive follow-up is necessary.

Publication History

Article published online:
12 May 2023