A case report of metastasizing myoepithelial carcinoma of the parotid gland arising in a recurrent pleomorphic adenoma

Auris Nasus Larynx. 2009 Feb;36(1):123-6. doi: 10.1016/j.anl.2008.05.014. Epub 2008 Jul 22.

Abstract

Myoepithelial carcinoma, arising in a recurrent or in a pre-existing pleomorphic adenoma of the parotid gland is an extremely rare cancer. We herein report the case of myoepithelial carcinoma occurring in a recurrent pleomorphic adenoma, which showed a high metastatic potential. A 53-year-old male, who had undergone a superficial parotidectomy of the pleomorphic adenoma 2 years previously, presented with recurrent parotid swelling and with multiple coin lesions in the lung. A total parotidectomy and a thoracoscopic biopsy of the lung lesion revealed both lesions to be myoepithelial carcinoma. The patient died about 12 months later despite undergoing intensive chemotherapy.

Publication types

  • Case Reports

MeSH terms

  • Adenoma, Pleomorphic / pathology*
  • Adenoma, Pleomorphic / surgery
  • Humans
  • Lung Neoplasms / pathology
  • Lung Neoplasms / secondary*
  • Male
  • Middle Aged
  • Myoepithelioma / pathology*
  • Neoplasms, Second Primary / pathology*
  • Parotid Gland / surgery
  • Parotid Neoplasms / pathology*
  • Parotid Neoplasms / surgery
  • Solitary Pulmonary Nodule / pathology
  • Solitary Pulmonary Nodule / secondary*