Bilateral epithelial-myoepithelial carcinoma of the parotid glands.

BACKGROUND

The most common histological diagnosis of bilateral parotid gland neoplasm is Warthin tumor. Bilateral malignant tumors of the parotid gland are extremely rare.

METHODS

A 60-year-old man presented with a painless mass in the right preauricular area and an MRI scan showed multiple masses in the parotid glands, bilaterally. A standard superficial parotidectomy was performed on the right parotid gland followed by subtotal parotidectomy on the left. The diagnosis was synchronous bilateral epithelial-myoepithelial carcinoma arising in the parotid glands.

RESULTS

Histopathology of the tumor on both sides indicated epithelial-myoepithelial carcinoma. There was no evidence of locoregional or remote disease during a 5-year follow-up period.

CONCLUSION

Malignant tumors should be included in the differential diagnosis of bilateral parotid gland tumors. Management of unilateral malignant parotid tumors should involve careful observation of the contralateral parotid gland.