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. 2022 Dec;16(4):1157-1166.
doi: 10.1007/s12105-022-01484-z. Epub 2022 Aug 10.

Basal Cell Adenoma and Basal Cell Adenocarcinoma: a 50-year Experience From a Single Institution

Miguel Rito  1   2 , Susana Esteves  3 , Isabel Fonseca  4   5
Affiliations

Basal Cell Adenoma and Basal Cell Adenocarcinoma: a 50-year Experience From a Single Institution

Miguel Rito et al. Head Neck Pathol. 2022 Dec.

Abstract

Background: Basal cell adenoma (BCA) and adenocarcinoma (BCAd) are two of the least frequent salivary gland tumors. We describe the largest series of these neoplasms, spanning over a period of 50 years (1970-2020), diagnosed and treated in a single Institution.

Methods: Sixty-eight cases were identified. Clinical and pathological data were collected and correlated with outcome.

Results: Forty-one BCA and 27 BCAd were identified. BCA cases had almost pristine prognosis, with only a relapse in a tumor inadequately excised. Ten patients with BCAd developed metastases, and 14 died from the disease. The 2-year and 5-year survival was of 76% and 42%.

Conclusions: The importance of adequate excision is reinforced in BCA, with no recurrences occurring when margins were negative. Contrary to previous reports, BCAd was not associated with a good prognosis. A better understanding of the genetics of these neoplasms may identify therapeutic options when dealing with inoperable or metastatic disease.

Keywords: Basal cell adenocarcinoma; Basal cell adenoma; Carcinoma ex pleomorphic adenoma; Head and neck neoplasms; Otorhinolaryngologic neoplasms; Salivary gland.

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Conflict of interest statement

The authors have no relevant financial or non-financial interests to disclose.

Figures

Fig. 1
Fig. 1
Hematoxylin and eosin images of three of the cases identified: A and B a basal cell adenoma, with the typical basaloid cytology and well-defined borders; C and D a basal cell adenocarcinoma, with an obvious infiltrative growth pattern, with nodules on desmoplastic stroma; and E and F a highly aggressive basal cell adenocarcinoma ex-pleomorphic adenoma with an invasive front that reached the dermis (E) and a residual hyalinized nodule of a pleomorphic adenoma within the tumor (F)
Graph 1
Graph 1
Survival probability along time (months) per primary location of the tumor (global p-value mentioned)
Graph 2
Graph 2
Survival probability along time (months) per surgery plus radiation vs surgery alone (global p-value mentioned)
Graph 3
Graph 3
Survival probability along time (months) per complete vs incomplete excision (global p-value mentioned)
See this image and copyright information in PMC

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