Cutaneous squamous cell carcinoma metastatic to the parotid gland in a transplant patient

Abstract

Parotid metastases from cutaneous neoplasms are rare and have a relatively good prognosis if limited to the lymph nodes. When extension beyond the lymph nodes occurs, prognosis is grave. It has also been reported that transplant patients have a higher incidence of cutaneous carcinoma, which tends to be more aggressive. We report a case of an aggressive squamous cell carcinoma metastatic to the parotid gland in a liver transplant patient. The literature pertaining to parotid area metastasis and cancer in transplant recipients is reviewed. We conclude that clinicians should have a higher clinical index of suspicion for cutaneous lesions in transplant patients and that cutaneous lesions at risk for metastasis to the parotid should be treated more aggressively.