SALIVARY DUCT CARCINOMA WITH DEFINITIVE IMMUNOHISTOCHEMCAL DIAGNOSIS IN A NIGERIAN FEMALE AND LITERATURE REVIEW

Abstract

OBJECTIVE: Salivary duct carcinoma (SDC) is an aggressive salivary gland malignancy that has potential for early metastasis and a high recurrence rate. This report presents SDC of the parotid gland in a 54 years old female to emphasize the need for immunohistochemistry in confirmatory diagnosis of the lesion.

CASE SUMMARY: A case of SDC in a 54 years old Nigerian female with a 10-year history of slow growing swelling of the right parotid gland that became aggressive six months before presentation. Histopathologic examination revealed a tumour mass composed of a dense fibrous connective tissue stroma, with neoplastic epithelial cells which are proliferating from the ductal epithelial lining. Neoplastic cells were hyperchromatic and displayed nuclear pleomorphism and vacuolation, and abnormal mitotic figures. Tumour cells were also EMA and Her2 positive. The tumour was completely excised, patient was however lost to follow up after 9 months.

CONCLUSION: Salivary duct carcinoma is an aggressive tumour with a poor prognosis as a result of its metastatic potential. It may arise de novo or from existing cases of benign salivary gland tumors. Adequate knowledge of its clinical, microscopic and immunohistochemical features is essential for diagnosis and treatment.