Basal Cell Adenocarcinoma of Submandibular Gland: A Case Report

Abstract

Basal cell adenocarcinoma (BCAC) of the salivary gland is a rare neoplasm that commonly occurs in major salivary glands, most likely in parotid gland. BCAC was included in the 1991 World Health Organization (WHO) classification of salivary gland neoplasms. In 2005 WHO classification; BCAC has been added to the subtypes of salivary gland carcinoma and is classified as a low grade malignancy. Histologically, BCAC is divided on the basis of infiltrative growth pattern into the following four subtypes: solid, trabecular, tubular and membranous. We report a rare case of basal cell adenocarcinoma of the sub-mandibular gland in a 55 year old male. A review of the literature and a discussion of the clinical presentation, diagnosis, management of patients with these rare tumors are provided. A 55 year old male patient presented with chief complaints of swelling in left sub-mandibular region of face since 5 months of size 3x2 cm. Swelling was also associated with pain, which was dull aching and progressive in nature. The surgical excision of the mass with a 3 mm margin and hemi-mandibulectomy was done under general anaesthesia. Haemostasis was achieved and the wound was closed subsequently. Sheet and interconnected strand-like proliferation of basaloid cells, on histopathological examination was suggestive of basal cell adenocarcinoma with margins positive for malignancy. Adjuvant radiotherapy was started and the patient was told to review at an interval of 3, 6 and 12 months. The patient followed up regularly with no signs of recurrence clinically 18 months post surgery. Due to prognostic implications, differential diagnosis with basal cell adenoma, adenoid cystic carcinoma, and basaloid squamous cell carcinoma is mandatory. It is necessary to perform complete surgical excision with a wide margin to ensure complete removal and to provide best chance for survival.

Keywords: Basal cell adenocarcinoma, basal cell adenoma, submandibular salivary gland, head and neck oncosurgery

Cite this Article:

Abhishek Kumar Singh, Tanvi Vijay, Abhishek Bhushan, Shama Shaikh, Shivendra Kumar Singh, Sushmita Mitra. Basal Cell Adenocarcinoma of Submandibular Gland: A Case Report. Research and Reviews: Journal of Oncology and Hematology (RRJoOH). 2015; 4(1): 18–22p.