Metastasis to the submaxillary gland from the breast - a case report and literature review.

Most series of submandibular gland tumors include a 50 per cent incidence of malignancy. However, very few reports of metastases to the submaxillary gland have appeared. This report documents a case of carcinoma of the breast which metastasized to the submaxillary gland 19 years following the appearance of the primary. Diagnosis was confirmed by immunofluorescence and estrogen and progesterone binding proteins. This report represents the eighth reported case of metastases to the submaxillary gland from a non head and neck primary. Although this occurrence is a rarity, those dealing with head and neck malignancies should be aware of its existence. The significance of the estrogen binding proteins and immunofluorescent diagnostic techniques is discussed.