Basal cell adenoma

Last revised by Ian Bickle on 1 Aug 2019

Basal cell adenomas are uncommon salivary gland tumors, representing ~4% (range 1-7.5%) of benign parotid tumors. They can also occur in the other major salivary glands as well as the minor salivary glands

Most commonly, a painless growing mass 1.

Typically, basal cell adenomas are unilateral, round/oval and <3 cm 1.

Imaging features are similar to pleomorphic adenomas, although basal cell adenomas are more likely to have smooth margins compared to the undulating margins typical of pleomorphic adenomas >1 cm in size 2.

ADC values are typically lower in basal cell adenomas compared to pleomorphic adenomas (1.24 vs 1.86 10−3 mm2 s−1 in one study 1) and they appear slightly more cystic 1.

Basal cell adenoma can degenerative into basal cell adenocarcinoma, although these are reported to more commonly arise de novo 2.

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