Incidental deep lobe parotid gland oncocytic neoplasms in an operated larynx cancer patient

Abstract

Deep lobe of the parotid gland is a rare localisation of head and neck tumors and most of them are pleomorphic adenoma. We encountered a 76-year-old woman with deep lobe parotid gland oncocytic neoplasms (synchronous oncocytoma and multifocal nodular oncocytic hyperplasia), but without any complaints. The patient was operated for larynx carcinoma four years ago. A deep lobe parotid gland lesion was detected during radiological evaluation of her middle ear cholesteatoma. A near total parotidectomy was performed. Oncocytoma is an uncommon salivary gland tumor and generally occurs in the superficial lobe of parotid gland of older patients. Multifocal nodular oncocytic hyperplasia is an unusual parotid gland lesion that accounts for 0.1% of parotid tumors. Computed tomography, magnetic resonance imaging, FNA and sialoscintigraphy may be helpful for evaluating parotid gland oncocytomas. Acinic cell carcinoma and clear cell carcinoma were the main differential diagnosis of oncocytoma. Surgical removal is the treatment of choice and total parotidectomy is suggested for deep lobe parotid gland oncocytomas. Recurrences are unusual for oncocytoma. Long-term follow up is necessary for multinodular cases. Parotid gland space occupying lesions may necessitate further emphasis regarding the fact that either second primary or a metastatic lesion may be found in especially a previously noted head and neck carcinoma patient.