Sebaceous carcinoma of the parotid gland: a case report and review of the literature

BACKGROUND Primary sebaceous carcinoma of the parotid gland is extremely rare, and because of its rarity, clinicopathological characteristics and histogenesis are not fully understood. METHODS Here, we report a patient who presented with a left infra-auricular painless mass. We present the histological features and discuss possible optimal treatments based on previous literature. RESULTS The mass was suspected to be a myoepithelial tumor or possibly a pleomorphic adenoma. Initially, the mass was resected with preservation of the facial nerve, but this caused facial palsy. Because the histological examination showed a sebaceous carcinoma and a part of the mass could be remaining on the facial nerve, additional surgery was performed, and the facial nerve was reconstructed with cervical nerve. Follow-up after 7 months showed no sign of recurrence of metastasis. CONCLUSION We encountered a rare sebaceous carcinoma of the parotid gland. Additional surgery was performed because preoperative diagnosis was difficult.