Beyond Skin Deep: Insights into Basal Cell Adenoma of the Parotid Gland

Basal cell adenoma is a rare salivary gland benign tumor of epithelial origin. It forms 1-3.7% of all salivary gland tumors and almost all arise in the parotid gland with the submandibular gland being a distant second. It usually appears as a firm and mobile slow growing mass and has more female predilection (2:1)(1). It is diagnosed by histological study and biopsy is estimated as the most accurate method. Due to prognostic implications, differential diagnosis with basal cell adenocarcinoma, adenoid cystic carcinoma and basaloid squamous cell carcinoma is mandatory (2). We report a case of Basal cell adenoma of the parotid gland. We also review the literature and discuss the diagnosis and management of this rare entity.