Clear Cell Adenocarcinoma of the minor salivary glands: Case Report

Abstract

BACKGROUND: Clear cell adenocarcinomas of the minor salivary glands are rare epithelial tumors that account for less than 1% of all malignant salivary gland tumors. CASE REPORT: We present the case of a 54-year-old male patient who presented with a painless right retroauricular tumor of progressive growth. Ultrasound reported a heterogeneous retroauricular soft tissue tumor with no local or regional lymphadenopathies. Culture and tumor markers were negative, BAFF was reported as suspicious for malignancy. CLINICAL COURSE: Right retroaurilar tumor was excised, without complications. The pathology report informed a right retroauricular clear cell carcinoma with negative limits. The patient has been under follow up care for one year, with no evidence of disease recurrence. CONCLUSION: Although clear cell carcinoma of the minor salivary glands is a rare tumor, it should be considered as a differential diagnosis in patients with head and neck injuries. Its standardized treatment is surgical; adjuvant treatments have not shown an improvement in the control of recurrence, nor have they improved survival rates.