Secretory carcinoma of salivary gland origin: A recently established masquerader

Indian J Cancer. 2021 Apr-Jun;58(2):278-284. doi: 10.4103/ijc.IJC_274_20.

Abstract

Secretory carcinoma (SC) of the salivary gland is considered to be a low-intermediate grade tumor with the potential of locally aggressive behavior. This tumor is similar both genetically (ETV6-NTRK3 fusion) and histologically to secretory carcinoma of the breast. We intent to share our experience of four cases of SC in terms of clinical behavior, pathological features, and treatment outcome. Medical records of four cases of SC were retrieved and analyzed for clinical presentation, surgical treatment, and outcome. Pathological data was reanalyzed along with immunohistochemistry. Out of the four identified SC cases, three were men. Two lesions originated from the parotid gland and two from minor salivary glands. Two of these cases exhibited features of locally aggressive pattern. SC of salivary gland origin has distinct histological and immunohistochemical features apart from the characteristic genetic translocation and fusion. Surgery with or without adjuvant radiotherapy is the treatment of choice. To establish the biological behavior of this tumor, larger case series with long-term follow-up is desirable.

Keywords: Acinar cell carcinoma; mammary analogue secretory carcinoma; salivary gland neoplasms.

Publication types

  • Case Reports

MeSH terms

  • Adolescent
  • Adult
  • Child
  • Combined Modality Therapy
  • Female
  • Humans
  • Male
  • Middle Aged
  • Prognosis
  • Retrospective Studies
  • Salivary Gland Neoplasms / metabolism
  • Salivary Gland Neoplasms / pathology*
  • Salivary Gland Neoplasms / therapy
  • Young Adult