Basal cell adenoma of the salivary gland: Cribriform type, a rare case with review of literature

Basal cell adenoma (BCA) of the salivary glands is a rare benign tumor resembling pleomorphic adenoma, but with a prominent basaloid cell layer. The majority of these tumors arise in the parotid glands and account for only 1% of all salivary gland epithelial tumors. We report one such case of a swelling in the floor of the mouth in a 55-year-old female where BCA is the most likely diagnosis; however, histological variation does show a similarity to malignant adenoid cystic carcinoma, thereby making the diagnosis difficult. The incidence of malignancy is relatively higher in the submandibular, sublingual and minor salivary glands. Approximately, 85% of sublingual gland tumors are malignant. Thus, we should be more careful when making a diagnosis in minor salivary gland tumors.