Signet ring carcinoma parotid gland: a case report.

BACKGROUND

Signet ring adenocarcinoma is a recently characterized entity occurring in the minor salivary glands. All reported cases have occurred in minor salivary gland. Pure signet ring adenocarcinoma of a major salivary gland has not been reported in the literature.

METHODS

A 38-year-old woman presented with a mass in the parotid region. Microscopy showed signet ring cells positive for mucicarmine. Immunohistochemistry showed cytokeratin and focal smooth muscle actin (SMA) positivity; an exhaustive search for primary elsewhere did not reveal any suspicious focus.

RESULTS

A diagnosis of low-grade signet ring adenocarcinoma of the parotid gland was made. On 6-month follow-up the patient was alive and well.

CONCLUSIONS

The present case highlights a rare occurrence of this tumor in the parotid gland, which until now was labeled as a tumor exclusive to minor salivary glands. Thus this entity should be kept as a differential while investigating mucinous tumors of parotid.