Acute parotitis as a complication of fine-needle aspiration in Warthin's tumor. A unique finding of a 3-year experience with parotid tumor aspiration.

OBJECTIVE/HYPOTHESIS: Fine needle aspiration (FNA) is an accurate, cost-effective tool for the study of salivary gland lesions. Although complications are extremely rare, salivary gland FNA can lead to hemorrhage, facial nerve injury, and cellulitis at the needle puncture site. Some studies suggest that FNA can cause infarction or metaplastic transformation of benign Warthin's tumors. We review our recent experience with FNA of the parotid gland, focusing on possible complications and pitfalls. STUDY DESIGN AND SETTING: The medical records of all patients who underwent FNA of the parotid gland from 2000 to 2002 in the Department of Otolaryngology-Head and Neck Surgery of a major tertiary-care referral center were reviewed. Cytological results were compared to the histological diagnosis and complications were recorded. RESULTS: Of the 256 lesions aspirated, 99 patients (39%), were cytologically diagnosed as benign tumors, including 31 (12%) Warthin's tumors, of which 16/17 resected and confirmed histologically. Five patients with Warthin's tumor had post-FNA parotitis and were treated accordingly. CONCLUSIONS: The combination of cystic spaces surrounded by oncocytic cells and a poor blood supply makes the tumor susceptible to infarction and inflammation. Our findings indicate that FNA is a strong and reliable tool in the investigation of the salivary glands. Nevertheless, when Warthin's tumor is clinically suspected on the basis of its location (tail of the parotid gland), cystic texture, patient sex (male) and age, one should consider parotitis as a possible complication. EBM rating: C-4.     

Acute suppurative parotitis: a dreadful complication in elderly surgical patients

Abstract Background: Acute suppurative parotitis (ASP) is a severe infection seen particularly in elderly surgical patients. Factors that increase the risk of ASP include post-operative dehydration, debilitating conditions, and immunosuppressed states. Method: Case report and literature review. Results: An 82-year-old female patient was admitted because of paralytic ileus, dehydration, and poor oral hygiene, and was in distress. After two days of hospitalization, the patient developed a progressive painful swelling of her right parotid gland and fever up to 39.0°C. Computed tomography scanning showed an abscess in the parotid gland. Because of her progressive clinical deterioration, the patient underwent operative drainage of the abscess and removal of the necrotic material. Unfortunately, she suffered multiple organ dysfunction syndrome and died. Conclusion: Acute suppurative parotitis requires prompt aggressive treatment that nevertheless may fail.     

Desmoplastic Fibroblastoma Presenting as a Parotid Tumour: A Case Report and Review of the Literature

Desmoplastic fibroblastomas (DFs) are rare fibrous soft tissue tumours that usually arise in subcutaneous tissue or skeletal muscle in a variety of anatomical sites. These lesions most frequently present as painless, slow-growing mobile masses. A case of DF is described in a 47-year-old man who presented with a painless right parotid mass of 2 months duration. At surgery, the lesion was attached to the tail of the right parotid gland. Histopathological examination demonstrated a fibrous lesion comprising spindled and stellate shaped fibroblasts with focal myxoid stromal change. The features were consistent with a DF. This report documents a rare parotid lesion which may mimic other more common parotid gland neoplasms.     

Extra-cranial metastasis of glioblastoma multiforme presenting as acute parotitis

We present an unusual case of extracranial metastasis of glioblastoma multiforme (GBM) to the parotid gland and cervical lymph nodes. The patient had previously undergone two craniotomies to debulk a left frontal GBM, followed by radiotherapy. After the second craniotomy, while waiting for chemotherapy, the patient was re-admitted with a short history of a painful swelling of his left parotid gland. The initial diagnosis was infective parotitis; however, as there was no improvement with broad-spectrum antibiotics, CT was undertaken, which revealed a mass in the parotid gland with a necrotic centre and enlarged cervical lymph nodes. Parotid gland biopsy revealed a parotid GBM metastasis. This case illustrates how GBM behaves in an aggressive manner even outside the CNS. A brief review of the literature and of the theories, which might explain the extra-neural metastasis of this tumour is also presented.     

Cutaneous Metastasis From Adenoid Cystic Carcinoma of the Parotid Gland

BACKGROUND: Cutaneous metastasis from adenoid cystic carcinoma of the salivary gland is very rare. OBJECTIVE: To present an unusual case of cutaneous metastasis from adenoid cystic carcinoma of the right parotid gland. METHODS: A 63-year-old woman with multiple subcutaneous nodules on the abdomen and a gradually enlarged mass over the right parotid area was examined. A skin biopsy was taken from one of the abdominal nodules. RESULT: Skin biopsy demonstrated the characteristic histopathologic features of metastatic adenoid cystic carcinoma. A subsequent computerized tomography of the head and neck revealed a huge soft tissue mass involving the right parotid gland. Computerized tomography of the chest revealed extensive nodular pleural thickening, and pleural biopsy also showed typical histopathologic features of metastatic adenoid cystic carcinoma. All of these results are consistent with the diagnosis of an adenoid cystic carcinoma of the right parotid gland with disseminated metastases. CONCLUSION: We report a rare case of cutaneous metastasis from adenoid cystic carcinoma of the right parotid gland. The presentation of cutaneous metastasis is often nonspecific and may mimic benign lesions. Subcutaneous nodules that are rapidly developing or eruptive, are rapidly growing and have stony hardness in nature, have pain or tenderness, and have nonhealing ulceration remind us of the possibility of cutaneous metastases. Dermatologists and dermatologic surgeons should keep the diagnosis of cutaneous metastasis in mind and always perform skin biopsy when encountering these lesions.     

Prospective evaluation of office-based parotid ultrasound

Background: Differentiation of parotid neoplasms from extraparotid upper cervical lesions is difficult by physical examination. The purpose of this report is to identify the role of office-based parotid ultrasound (US) in the evaluation of periauricular masses.Methods: A prospective database including the results of physical examination, office-based US, and the corresponding pathology was reviewed. Soft-tissue US was performed with a 7.5-mHz parallel probe with biplanar imaging.Results: Thirty-eight patients were evaluated over a 28-month period (mean age, 45 years; range, 23–78 years). US demonstrated a mass within the substance of the parotid (n = 23, 61%), outside the parotid (n = 11, 29%), or diffuse parotitis (n = 4, 10%). Intraparotid masses were preauricular (n = 14), postauricular (n = 5), or upper cervical (n = 4) and were solid (n = 22) or cystic (n = 1). Patients with solid intraparotid masses underwent superficial (n = 20) or total parotidectomy (n = 2). Benign (n = 19) and malignant (n = 3) solid parotid nodules had similar US features of hypoechogenicity with posterior enhancement. Indistinct margins were noted in 3 of 3 malignant lesions as well as 15 of 19 benign nodules (P = .9). Extraparotid masses were confirmed to be nodal disease on the basis of observation with resolution (n = 3), fine-needle aspiration (n = 6), or surgical removal (n = 2) (mean follow-up, 6 months).Conclusions: Surgical office-based parotid US can delineate the location of periauricular mass lesions relative to the parotid gland. Benign and malignant lesions have a similar sonographic appearance.     

Recurrent pneumoparotid: cause and treatment.

OBJECTIVE: To document the etiology and successful treatment of severe recurrent pneumoparotid. STUDY DESIGN: Computed tomography, ductal measurement by probe size, surgical treatment. RESULTS: We performed a superficial parotidectomy for a 13-year-old with a history of recurrent parotitis. He subsequently developed recurrent pneumoparotid in the contralateral gland with subcutaneous dissection of air into the face, neck, and mediastinum. At surgery, Stensen's ducts were measured and found to be abnormally patent bilaterally compared to standardized norms. Parotid duct ligation, commonly used for sialorrhea, was employed as a novel treatment and was curative. CONCLUSION: Insufflation of air into the parotid duct system can trouble woodwind instrument players, can complicate dental procedures, or can be self-induced. It is generally a benign condition requiring no therapy. Occasionally, pneumoparotid can be recurrent and lead to inflammation and infection of the parotid or subcutaneous emphysema. SIGNIFICANCE: In selected cases of recurrent pneumoparotid, ductal ligation may be curative.     

Metastatic disease to the parotid gland

OBJECTIVES: The purpose of this study was to review the clinico-pathologic findings and outcome of patients with metastasis to the parotid lymph nodes and gland. METHODS: Retrospective study. Thirty-four out of 520 patients with a parotid mass treated at our institution met the criteria for this study. Age, gender, clinical findings, histopathology, treatment. and outcome were analyzed. RESULTS: Twenty-three patients had metastases to parotid lymph nodes from a squamous cell carcinoma of the skin, seven from a cutaneous malignant melanoma after a mean interval of 15 months, two from a ductal breast carcinoma, one with a metastatic disease from a rhabdomyosarcoma of the lower limb, and one from a Merkel cell carcinoma. The 5-year cause-specific and absolute survival for squamous cell carcinoma was 64% and 48% respectively and 71% and 57% for malignant melanomas. CONCLUSIONS: Metastatic disease to the parotid gland is mostly caused by squamous cell carcinoma. Despite combined treatment modalities long-term survival remains poor.     

Parotid duct cyst: a case report

Salivary gland cysts can be benign or malignant. Salivary duct cysts are benign tumours that occur mainly in the parotid gland and represent 10% of all salivary gland cysts. We report the case of a 48-year-old man who presented with a painless preauricular mass on the right side. Superficial parotidectomy was performed based on magnetic resonance imaging (MRI). Histopathologic examination of the specimen revealed a parotid duct cyst. Here we report clinical features, diagnosis, and treatment of the case as well as a review of the literature.     

Case of facial nerve palsy accompanied with swelling of the parotid gland following the surgery with left lateral decubitus position

A 70-year-old woman (142 cm in height, 75 kg in weight, BMI 37) received right total hip arthroplasty in the left lateral decubitus position. The operation time was 9 and a half hours. The morning after the operation, erythema accompanied with bullae was observed on the skin of the left parotid gland and left shoulder, and left facial nerve palsy developed. The palsy was almost paralysis with marked facial asymmetry and severe blepharoptosis. Ultrasonography showed diffuse swelling of the left parotid gland. The serum amylase level was 642 IU . l-1 (normal range : 40-113). Prolonged parotid gland compression during the operation would have caused acute swelling of the parotid gland and facial nerve palsy. The palsy resolved completely after 5 months.     

Leiomyosarcoma of the parotid gland: a case report and review of the literature

BACKGROUND: A primary leiomyosarcoma of the parotid gland has been reported only three times in the English literature. This type of tumor represents an extremely rare group of salivary gland neoplasm. METHODS: A 44 year old man was initially seen with a 5 cm right parotid mass which was resected with a total parotidectomy, preserving the facial nerve. The patient had no palpable cervical lymph nodes. RESULTS: The majority of the specimen was made up of a relatively well demarcated tumor 5 cm in diameter. The tumor was noted to contain moderate to poorly differentiated primary leiomyosarcoma of the parotid. CONCLUSIONS: A primary leiomyosarcoma of the parotid gland is an extremely rare existing entity. A review of the literature reveals that primary leiomyosarcoma and other sarcomas of the major salivary glands may share similar histogenesis and biologic behavior with their soft tissue counterparts.     

Malignant blue nevus of the parotid gland: A case report

BACKGROUND: Malignant blue nevus is a highly aggressive tumor arising from a background of benign blue nevus. Extensive review of the medical literature revealed a few reported cases of this transformation from cutaneous origin. We report the first case of blue nevus of the parotid gland and its malignant transformation within this gland. METHODS: A 62-year-old woman presented to our clinic with sudden onset parotid mass. After a superficial parotidectomy, histologic examination of the specimen was performed. Features compatible with blue nevus with focal region of atypical mitotic activity were evident. The diagnosis of malignant blue nevus was confirmed by immunohistochemical studies. RESULTS: We report the first case of malignant transformation of blue nevus within the parotid gland. CONCLUSIONS: We found this lesion to be highly aggressive and to have metastasized shortly after diagnosis.     

Sclerosing Polycystic Adenosis

A 25-year-old female presented with a well-defined, painless mass of 1 year’s duration in the right parotid gland. MR imaging revealed a relatively well-circumscribed lesion involving the deep and superficial lobes of the right parotid gland. Histologic examination of the resection resulted in a diagnosis of sclerosing polycystic adenosis, a rare benign salivary gland entity of presumed non-neoplastic origin. The clinical, radiographic, and morphologic features of sclerosing polycystic adenosis are discussed.     

Causes of chronic obstructive parotitis and management by sialoendoscopy.

BACKGROUND: Sialoendoscopy is a relatively new technique to detect causes of obstruction in the parotid gland directly and manage the chronic obstructive parotitis effectively combined with continuous lavage and drug perfusion simultaneously. OBJECTIVES: To describe the cause, exploration, and combined management of chronic obstructive parotitis using sialoendoscopy. STUDY DESIGN: Between October 2004 and June 2006, 23 patients with obstructive symptoms were diagnosed by sialography and explored by diagnostic sialoendoscopy. The obstructions were then removed by interventional sialoendoscopy. After obstructions were removed successfully, 0.25% chloramphenicol was used to lavage the duct continuously, and then 40% iodized oil was perfused into duct. The results of follow-up were evaluated by visual analog scales (VAS) of the clinical appearances at different stages. RESULTS: Twenty of the 23 patients were found with various types of stenosis and dilatation of duct on sialography, and 21 patients were explored using sialoendoscopy successfully. The features of these 21 cases found endoscopically were of 4 types: sialolith (n = 4; 19.0%), duct polyps (n = 5; 23.8%), stenosis (n = 3; 14.3%), and mucus plug (n = 9; 42.9%). Seventeen cases were treated successfully, removing obstructions via sialoendoscopy, giving a success rate of 80.9% (17 out of 21). The satisfactory rate after 6 months was 82.4% by VAS and secretion observation. CONCLUSION: Sialoendoscopy is a promising image-guided technique for evaluation and treatment of obstructive disease of the parotid salivary glands.     

A rare case of recurrent congenital sialolipoma of parotid gland in a 3‑year‑old child: A case report and review of literature

IntroductionSialolipoma is an extremely rare salivary gland tumor characterized by a well circumscribed mass composed of glandular tissue and matures adipose elements. Herein,the aim of this article is to report the sixth case of congenital sialolipoma and the first case of recurrent congenital sialolipoma in infant, and discuss the clinicopathological and morphological features of sialolipoma and the possible cause of its recurrence.Case reportA 3 year-old child presented with a recurrent mass of right parotid gland which progressed from birth, initially treated at the age of 4 months by simple tumorectomy and excision of the surrounding parotid tissue. The tumor recurred 4 months postoperatively. The radiological examination confirmed the parotid origin of the tumor. Histopathology was consistent with a sialolipoma. A superficial parotidectomy with preservation of the facial nerve was performed this time at the age of 3 years. Postoperative recovery proceeded without incident with normal facial nerve function. There was no recurrence at 36-month follow-up.ConclusionAlthough it is a very rare benign tumor, congenital sialolipoma should be kept in mind in the differential diagnosis of congenital parotid mass. The recurrence of congenital sialolipoma is dependent on its management, thus complete excision of the mass with the lobes of the salivary glands involved seems to be adequate for definitive management.     

Metastatic hepatocellular carcinoma to the parotid gland: Case report and review of the literature

INTRODUCTIONHepatocellular carcinoma, the most frequent primary hepatic tumor, metastasizes in more than 50% of cases. However, parotid gland metastatic HCCs are very uncommon. We report a patient in whom the finding of a left parotid mass revealed metastatic HCC.PRESENTATION OF CASEA thirty-six-year-old male presented with a round palpable left neck mass that persisted for 3 months. He had received right hemihepatectomy for hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC). Preoperative evaluation revealed a benign tumor of the parotid gland. We performed superficial parotidectomy. Metastatic hepatocellular carcinoma of the parotid gland was diagnosed.DISCUSSIONAlthough HCC metastases to the oral cavity have been reported, to date, only 4 cases HCC metastasis to the parotid gland have been reported. Although clinicians and cytopathologists alike both agree that salivary gland fine needle aspiration biopies (FNABs) are highly useful and safe diagnostic alternatives to biopsies and resections, we believe that in specific clinical situations, awareness of potential diagnostic pitfalls in salivary gland FNAB is a necessary part of the microscopic interpretations of these lesions.CONCLUSIONAlthough rare, since HCC can metastasize to the parotid gland, high suspicion should be maintained in a patient presenting with a parotid mass with a history of HCC. In addition, since potential diagnostic pitfalls in salivary gland fine-needle aspiration (FNA) biopsies exist, incisional or excisional biopsy may be necessary for definite diagnosis of metastatic HCC to the parotid gland.     

Adenoid cystic carcinoma of the parotid gland: Anastamosis of the facial nerve with the great auricular nerve after radical parotidectomy

Adenoid cystic carcinoma of the parotid gland is a rare and slowly growing, but highly malignant tumor. Surgical resection of a malignant parotid tumor should include resection of the facial nerve when the nerve is involved in the tumor. Facial nerve reconstruction is required after nerve resection. A 14 year-old female presented with complaints of painless enlargement of the right parotid gland and facial asymmetry. Physical examination revealed a firm mass in the region of the parotid gland as well as right facial paralysis. Biopsy obtained from the mass showed an adenoid cystic carcinoma of the parotid gland. A radical parotidectomy with a modified radical neck dissection was carried out. Grafting material for the facial reconstruction was harvested from the great auricular nerve. The proximal main trunk and each distal branch of the facial nerve were coapted with the greater auricular nerve. The patient received radiotherapy after surgery and was seen to achieve grade IV facial function one year after surgery. Thus, the great auricular nerve is appropriate grafting material for coaptation of each distal branch of the facial nerve.     

Testicular seminoma metastasizing to the parotid gland: report of a case

BACKGROUND: Among salivary glands, the parotid gland is the most common site for secondary neoplastic involvement, and carcinomas and melanomas are the two most common secondary tumors. METHODS: We present a case of testicular seminoma metastasizing to the parotid gland. The patient, who had a remote history of testicular seminoma, was initially seen with a parotid mass. A primary parotid lesion was anticipated, and excisional biopsy was performed. The diagnosis of testicular seminoma metastasizing to the parotid gland was established on the basis of histologic findings and was confirmed by immunohistochemical analysis. RESULTS: Metastatic and primary seminomas have the same morphologic features and cellular composition, and granulomatous reaction is often present in both neoplasms. Extragonadal seminoma often occurs in the midline (presacral, retroperitoneal, anterior mediastinal, and pineal regions); when present in any other locations, the tumor should be considered to be metastatic. Placenta alkaline phosphatase is a useful immunohistochemical stain to confirm the diagnosis, and cytokeratin immunohistonegativity rules out carcinomas or epithelioid sarcomas. CONCLUSIONS: To our knowledge, this is the first published case of metastatic testicular seminoma to the parotid gland. Cytomorphologic features of seminoma and the presence of granulomatous giant cells are important diagnostic clues. Two other neoplasms with granulomatous reactions, nasopharyngeal carcinoma and epithelioid sarcoma, should be considered in the differential diagnosis.     

Sialadenoma papilliferum of the parotid gland: Case report and review of literature

Sialadenoma papilliferum is a rare benign salivary gland tumor. We present an unusual case of sialadenoma papilliferum of the parotid gland, discuss clinical presentation, diagnostic challenges, and review of the literature. A 65‐year‐old male smoker presented with a large, exophytic, fungating, painless mass in the tail parotid for 8 years. The tumor developed an exophytic component 2 years before presentation. The patient subsequently underwent superficial parotidectomy with facial nerve preservation. Initial pathological analysis suggested a variant of Warthin's tumor. The pathology underwent extensive internal and external review. Final diagnosis was consistent with sialadenoma papilliferum. We present the fourth reported case of sialadenoma papilliferum within the parotid gland and only the second that has presented with breach of the overlying skin. The clinical presentation may mimic an advanced parotid malignancy. However, facial nerve preservation and good surgical outcomes can be obtained. © 2011 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. Head Neck, 2013