Large cell neuroendocrine carcinoma of the parotid gland: case report and literature review

A 74-year-old male presented with a large polinodular mass in the neck. Fine needle aspiration cytology (FNAC) showed an undifferentiated large cell carcinoma. Computed tomography (CT) showed a large parotid mass with multiple satelite nodules. The remaining radiological studies were normal. Radical...

Full description

Saved in:
Bibliographic Details
Published in:Auris, nasus, larynx nasus, larynx, 2005-03, Vol.32 (1), p.89-93
Main Authors: Casas, Pablo, Bernáldez, Ricardo, Patrón, Mercedes, López-Ferrer, Pilar, García-Cabezas, Miguel A.
Format: Article
Language:English
Subjects:
Aged
Carcinoma, Large Cell - diagnostic imaging
Carcinoma, Large Cell - pathology
Carcinoma, Large Cell - therapy
Carcinoma, Neuroendocrine - diagnostic imaging
Carcinoma, Neuroendocrine - pathology
Carcinoma, Neuroendocrine - therapy
Combined Modality Therapy
Humans
Large cell neuroendocrine carcinoma
Large cell undiferentiated carcinoma
Male
Neoplasm Invasiveness
Neoplasm Staging
Parotid gland
Parotid Neoplasms - diagnostic imaging
Parotid Neoplasms - pathology
Parotid Neoplasms - therapy
Salivary gland
Tomography, X-Ray Computed
Citations: Items that this one cites
Items that cite this one
Online Access:Get full text
Tags: Add Tag
No Tags, Be the first to tag this record!
Description
Summary:A 74-year-old male presented with a large polinodular mass in the neck. Fine needle aspiration cytology (FNAC) showed an undifferentiated large cell carcinoma. Computed tomography (CT) showed a large parotid mass with multiple satelite nodules. The remaining radiological studies were normal. Radical parotidectomy was performed. The tumor was a large cell carcinoma with neuroendocrine features and positive immunostain for neuroendocrine markers. The patient received postoperative radiotherapy and was free of tumor eight months later. Only four cases of large cell neuroendocrine carcinoma (LCNEC) of the salivary gland have been communicated. All of them have involved the parotid gland. This tumor presents in elderly patients as a large infiltrating parotid mass. Fine needle aspiration cytology serves to recognize the carcinoma, but it fails in recognizing the neuroendocrine features of the tumor. The histopathological features of this tumor are the same as in other organs. Chromogranin and synaptophysin are useful immunohistochemical markers. A primary location of the tumor in another organ, specially the lung, should be ruled out. Surgery is the main treatment modality and can be complemented with postoperative radiotherapy. The prognosis seems to be poor. More studies are needed to better define the therapeutical alternatives and prognostic factors of these rare tumors.
ISSN:0385-8146
1879-1476
DOI:10.1016/j.anl.2004.11.016