Imaging Features and Pathological Analysis of 43 Parotid Basal Cell Adenomas.

Guiqin Chen,Xiaoyi Wen,Lei Jing,Lei Zhang,Tiemei Wang,Z T Lin,X J Chen

doi:10.1155/2021/7906058

Abstract

Purpose To investigate the correlation between sonographic and computed tomography and pathological features of basal cell adenomas (BCAs) of the parotid gland. Methods This retrospective study included 41 patients (43 tumors) with BCAs. The tumors were divided into three types based on their location in the parotid gland and their imaging features. The features of the tumors were analyzed. Results Imaging manifestations and corresponding pathological results of most BCAs of the parotid glands resembled those of benign parotid gland tumors. Malignant transformation occurred in membranous BCAs and in those with extensive cribriform structures. Type-II and type-III tumors accounted for 82.93% of the total proportion. Thirteen tumors showed cystic degeneration with 30.23%, among which type-III tumors could easily develop cystic degeneration. These cystic areas might correspond to cystic degeneration or focal necrosis. Cystic change was not dependent on the tumor size. The pathological features of the tumors were correlated to their imaging manifestations. Conclusion Most BCAs of the parotid glands have imaging manifestations similar to those of benign parotid gland tumors. BCAs with extensive cribriform structures and of the membranous type can show malignant transformation and should be treated with caution in clinical practice.

Highlights

Parotid tumors account for approximately 3% of all head and neck neoplasms
Basal cell adenoma (BCA) of the salivary gland is a rare benign epithelial tumor that most frequently occurs in the parotid gland and ranks third among benign parotid tumors [1, 2]
BCA was described as a new distinct histological entity by the World Health Organization in 1991 and classified as one of nine salivary gland cancers in 2005 [3] and has been extensively researched since

Summary

Introduction

Basal cell adenoma (BCA) of the salivary gland is a rare benign epithelial tumor that most frequently occurs in the parotid gland and ranks third among benign parotid tumors [1, 2]. Membranous BCAs are relatively rare and are considered malignant with a high recurrence rate at approximately 24% and more common malignant transformation, even if extremely rare at 4.3%, whereas the other types are considered benign with nearly zero rates of recurrence and malignant transformation [4]. The imaging features of most basal cell tumors resemble those of other benign tumors of the parotid glands and of the three types (i.e., solid, trabecular, and tubular) in pathology. We have encountered several cases that acted as malignant tumors, and the pathology showed potential malignancy, two of the three types (i.e., solid, trabecular, and tubular) and one of the membranous type

Methods

Results

Conclusion