Basal Cell Adenoma of the Parotid Gland: A Rare Disease Entity

Abstract

Neoplasms of the salivary glands are of rare incidence, have a vague presentation, and follow a complex long-term clinical course. Both minor and major salivary glands have been implicated in dysplastic transformation, with parotid gland tumors being the most notable. Most of these tumors are benign in nature and are typically diagnosed and classified based on their histopathological presentation. In this report, we exhibit a rare case of basal cell adenomas (BCA), localized to the right parotid gland, in a 69-year-old male patient. Volume acquisition computed tomography (CT) imaging of the region was obtained with and without contrast, with relative reconstruction in both the coronal and axial planes. A soft tissue mass of 5 cm in diameter was detected in the superficial lobe of the right parotid gland. Fine needle aspiration (FNA) with ultrasound guidance revealed a population of basaloid cells that is monomorphic with minimal nuclear atypia and scattered fibrillary matrix. Thereafter, the patient was treated with partial excision of the right parotid gland under general anesthesia, and the post-operative pathology report confirmed the diagnosis of basal cell adenoma. The patient was doing well post-operatively with no complaints and maintained routine clinic follow-ups.

Keywords: basal cell adenoma; parotid salivary gland; parotid swelling; parotidectomy; salivary gland neoplasm.

Figure 1. A contrast-enhanced axial CT scan shows a round, well-defined mass in the superficial lobe of right parotid gland with homogeneous enhancement.

Figure 2. Coronal contrast-enhanced CT soft tissue window of the head showing a mass of soft tissue density in the superficial lobe of the right parotid gland.

Figure 3. Postoperative excised specimen of the right parotid mass measuring 6.5 centimeters.