Basal Cell Adenoma of Palate, a Rare Occurrence with Review of Literature

Abstract

Basal cell adenoma is an uncommon benign epithelial neoplasm of salivary gland which derives its name from the basaloid appearance of tumor cells and accounting for 1-2 % of all salivary gland epithelial tumors. This tumor usually arises in the major salivary glands, with the parotid being the most frequent site of occurrence, followed by the upper lip; while it is very rare in the minor salivary glands. Microscopically, it is composed of isomorphic cells similar to basal cells with nuclear palisading. We report a case of BCA presenting as an asymptomatic swelling over the right side of palate of 55-year-old female patient. A follow-up of 1 year revealed no recurrence. This report emphasizes the rare site of occurrence of this tumor and briefly reviews the literature.

Keywords: Basal cell adenoma; Basaloid; Immunohistochemistry; Isomorphic.

Figure 1

a: Intraoral view shows swelling on the right hard palate  b: CT scan demonstrates soft tissue density mass on the right side of palate (arrow)

Figure 2

Histopathology of the basal cell adenoma (H & E stain) (A) Encapsulated tumormass arranged in the form of solid nests and trabeculae (4x). (B) Tumor islands composed of peripheral palisaded cuboidal to columnar shape cells with round hyperchromatic nuclei and relatively rounded central cells (10 X). (C) Monomorphic basaloid cells (40X).