Ann Surg Case Rep | Volume 3, Issue 1 | Case Report | Open Access

Submandibular Gland Small Cell Carcinoma: A Case Report

Caitlin J Thornley^*, Ling Wang², Renuka Pathi², Wesley Lewis³ and Ambujakshan Dildeep³

Department of Surgery, The University of Arizona-Phoenix, USA
Department of Pathology, Carl T Hayden VA Medical Center, USA
Department of Surgery (Otolaryngology), Carl T Hayden VA Medical Center, USA

^*Correspondance to: Caitlin J Thornley 

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Abstract

Introduction: Salivary Gland Small Cell Carcinoma (SmCC) accounts for approximately 2% of all major salivary gland malignancies and less than 1% of all salivary gland tumors. When subcategorized by the affected gland, the parotid gland claims nearly 80% of these diagnoses, making submandibular SmCC a rare entity with only 11 previously reported cases. Case Presentation: We present our experience with 78 years old male patient with a rapidly enlarging left anterior neck mass. Fine needle aspiration performed of the lesion was consistent with a high grade neuroendocrine tumor. He subsequently underwent gland resection, modified radical neck dissection, and adjuvant radiation therapy. Final immunohistochemical analysis was consistent with submandibular small cell carcinoma. Discussion: The ideal management strategy for patients diagnosed with submandibular SmCC is currently not well established however it typically involves wide resection with or without radiation and/or chemotherapy. While not previously described, our patient demonstrated symptoms suggestive of a paraneoplastic syndrome at the time of his initial diagnosis. In light of this, salivary gland SmCC should be included on the differential diagnosis for patients presenting with a paraneoplastic syndrome as a harbinger to their underlying disease process. Ongoing studies are crucial for elucidating optimal management strategies for patients diagnosed with this rapidly progressive, rare malignancy.

Keywords:

Submandibular gland; Small cell carcinoma; Paraneoplastic syndromes

Citation:

Thornley CJ, Wang L, Pathi R, Lewis W, Dildeep A. Submandibular Gland Small Cell Carcinoma: A Case Report. Ann Surg Case Rep. 2020; 3(1): 1027..