Secretory carcinoma of salivary gland: A rare tumor masquerading as acinic cell carcinoma on cytology

Diagn Cytopathol. 2024 Jan;52(1):E19-E22. doi: 10.1002/dc.25232. Epub 2023 Oct 3.

Abstract

Secretory carcinoma (SC) was originally described as mammary analogue secretory carcinoma (MASC). We present here a case of 33 years old male who came to ENT outpatient department with a complaint of swelling over the left side of his neck for 8 months. On Fine-needle aspiration cytology, an impression of cytomorphological features suggestive of acinic cell carcinoma (Milan category V) was given. Left functional endoscopic sinus surgery was done. On histopathology, a final impression of Secretory carcinoma, the left submandibular gland was given with pathological stage classification as pT2N0Mx. SC of the salivary gland is a rare entity that may pose diagnostic challenges. Awareness of its cytologic features is paramount to achieve an accurate diagnosis. Morphologic interpretation must be supported by an immunohistochemical profile and molecular studies to confirm a diagnosis of SC.

Keywords: acinic cell carcinoma; cytology; immunohistochemistry; secretory carcinoma.

MeSH terms

  • Adult
  • Biomarkers, Tumor
  • Breast Neoplasms
  • Carcinoma* / pathology
  • Carcinoma, Acinar Cell* / diagnosis
  • Carcinoma, Acinar Cell* / pathology
  • Diagnosis, Differential
  • Humans
  • Male
  • Mammary Analogue Secretory Carcinoma* / diagnosis
  • Mammary Analogue Secretory Carcinoma* / genetics
  • Mammary Analogue Secretory Carcinoma* / pathology
  • Salivary Gland Neoplasms* / diagnosis
  • Salivary Gland Neoplasms* / pathology
  • Salivary Glands / pathology

Substances

  • Biomarkers, Tumor

Supplementary concepts

  • Secretory breast carcinoma