Adenoid cystic carcinoma with cystic change of the parotid gland posing a diagnostic challenge: A rare case report
Year: 2025
Type: article
Study design: Case Report
Abstract: INTRODUCTION AND IMPORTANCE: Salivary gland neoplasms, comprising 2-6.5% of head and neck tumors, primarily arise in the parotid and submandibular glands. Salivary gland cystic lesions can be either neoplastic or non-neoplastic. PRESENTATION OF CASE: This is a 50-year-old male with a cystic adenoid cystic carcinoma (ACC) in the parotid gland, presenting with a right infraauricular swelling that had progressively enlarged over three years. Fine needle aspiration cytology (FNAC) indicated a benign cystic neoplasm. Histological examination, however, confirmed ACC with cystic changes. CLINICAL DISCUSSION: A cyst in salivary gland neoplasms can result from degeneration, necrosis, or hemorrhage within the tumor, or when the tumor arises within a non-neoplastic cyst. Differentiating between benign and malignant cystic salivary gland lesions is challenging preoperatively. Accurate preoperative diagnosis is essential to prevent unnecessary surgeries, and techniques such as ultrasound and FNAC are critical in assessing these lesions. CONCLUSION: Cystic changes in malignant tumors, particularly ACC, are not frequently reported, underlining the need for increased awareness among clinicians and pathologists. This case highlights the importance of including ACC in the differential diagnosis of cystic salivary gland tumors.
Institutions: Wachemo University, Aksum University, Addis Ababa University
Language: English
Subfield: Surgery
Field: Medicine
Domain: Health Sciences
Open Access status: gold
Estimated APC paid: $2,090
OpenAlex ID: W4414443576