Basal Cell Adenocarcinoma Arising in a Minor Salivary Gland of the Mandible

Abstract

Basal cell adenocarcinoma is a relatively recently described rare type of malignant salivary gland tumor found most often in the parotid gland. We present a case report of minor salivary gland basal cell adenocarcinoma arising in the mandible. Histologically, tumor islands composed of epithelial cells with two morphologic forms and mitotic figures were frequently observed,and tumor cells invaded alveolar bone. Ultrastructurally, tumor cells had secretory granules, mitochondria desmosomes, tonofilament bundle, and basement membrane. Immunohistochemically, the tumor cells showed positive-immunoreactivities with S-100 protein, CEA, EMA, and keratin.