Basal cell adenocarcinoma of the buccal minor salivary gland with liver metastases

Abstract

Basal cell adenocarcinomas (BCACs) of salivary glands are rare malignant neoplasms that mostly affect the major salivary glands. They are generally considered low-grade carcinomas that are locally destructive and tend to recur, but only occasionally metastasize. Currently there are only a few reported cases of distant metastases from BCAC, and metastasis to the liver is not previously described. We report the first case of BCAC with histologically confirmed liver metastases. A 40-year-old man presented with a 2-month history of a painless swelling in the left buccal region. The lesion was completely resected, and the patient underwent postoperative radiotherapy. Permanent histology and immunohistochemical studies revealed a BCAC of the buccal minor salivary gland. After 14 months, two hepatic metastatic nodules were detected. The patient underwent a partial hepatectomy with adjuvant chemotherapy. No evidence of progressive disease or further recurrence was observed for 20 months after the hepatic metastasectomy. BCACs grow indolently and long-term survival can be expected. Surgery should be considered in selected patients as a therapeutic option in metastatic disease.