A Case of Parotid Gland Oncocytoma

Abstract

 Oncocytomas are rare benign tumors that account for approximately 1% of all salivary gland tumors. We report a case of a left parotid gland oncocytoma in a 46-year-old woman who presented with a painless subcutaneous nodule in the left preauricular area. Examination showed a subcutaneous nodule (13×11 mm) without cervical lymph node enlargement or facial nerve palsy. Ultrasonography revealed a well-defined nodule with abundant blood flow. T1- and T2-weighted magnetic resonance imaging with contrast enhancement of the nodule showed low signal intensity. The patient was suspected to have a benign left parotid tumor and underwent tumor resection. Histopathological findings of the excised specimen confirmed the diagnosis of an oncocytoma. Oncocytomas are rare; however, such tumors should be considered in the differential diagnosis, particularly in women who present with a benign parotid gland tumor showing abundant blood flow.